Grounded Theory

In contrast to the previously prevailing paradigm of deductive-theory-testing procedures, Glaser and Strauss took a thesis-generating approach in GT. Thus, a research field or research question is not operationalized here deductively on the basis of an already existing theory or own presuppositions, but is elicited and evaluated through a specific research strategy. The goal of the research strategy is to develop a data-based theory about a specific research field through this open approach. On the survey instrument side are interviews, participant observation, artifacts, but - and this is rarely discussed - also quantitative data sets. In principle, any survey instrument that provides new insights for the theory can be included in the evaluation.

 

On the evaluation side, grounded theory uses the coding paradigm. This is a three-stage evaluation procedure that specifies the process from data to theory development. A distinction is made between the 3 stages of open, axial, and selective coding. In open coding, the data are "broken up" and codes are assigned. These should be assigned quite still close to the data material, in order not to come too fast on a misleading abstract level. In axial coding, concepts and categories are created that can map the research field on a more abstract level and describe it theoretically. In selective coding, the aim is to trace the theory back to one or a few key categories ("core-categories") that have a particular explanatory value for the overall concept.