Grounded Theory

What the collection covers

These resources approach Grounded Theory through questions, diagrams, flashcards and slides. The quiz titled Grounded theory asks what grounded theory is and addresses generating a theory rather than testing a hypothesis. It also introduces inductive reasoning, beginning with specific observations.

The slides titled Grounded Theory describe a qualitative methodology that aims to generate theory grounded in participants’ behavior, words and actions. Together, these resources offer places to begin exploring the topic.

Choose a starting point

Start with the Grounded theory quiz to see the kinds of questions the collection raises. Then look at Grounded Theory Approach, a mind map that connects the discovery of theory from data with data collection and analysis. It describes these activities as proceeding together and shows how broadly drawn research questions can be refined through data.

For another view, the Grounded Theory Design mind map covers assumptions, research purposes, and approaches to data collection and analysis. The flashcards on grounded theory and the slides can also support study of theory generation.

Use quizzes and maps together

After studying a map, return to the Grounded theory quiz and compare its questions with the ideas you noticed. You can use the map to trace connections and the quiz to practice recalling them. The quiz titled Grounded theory quiz offers another resource to explore.

The Grounded Theory mind map also organizes material under headings including research method, data collection technique and data analysis approach. Use those headings to guide your reading of the map and organize your notes.

Place the topic in its unit

Grounded Theory is a section of the Qualitative Research unit in Research methods and academic skills. Within this page, the resources connect the aim of generating theory with the collection and analysis of data. Choose a resource that suits how you want to study and explore it at your own pace.