--- name: grounded-theory-guide description: "Apply grounded theory methodology to develop theory from data" metadata: openclaw: emoji: "🌱" category: "research" subcategory: "methodology" keywords: ["grounded theory", "qualitative methodology", "theoretical sampling", "constant comparison", "coding"] source: "wentor-research-plugins" --- # Grounded Theory Guide A skill for applying grounded theory methodology (GTM) to generate theory grounded in empirical data. Covers the three major schools (Glaser, Strauss/Corbin, Charmaz), coding procedures, theoretical sampling, memo writing, and criteria for evaluating grounded theories. ## Three Schools of Grounded Theory ### Comparing Approaches | Aspect | Classic (Glaser) | Straussian (Strauss & Corbin) | Constructivist (Charmaz) | |--------|-----------------|------------------------------|-------------------------| | Ontology | Objective reality | Pragmatist | Relativist/constructivist | | Literature review | Delay until theory emerges | Early but non-constraining | Early, reflexive engagement | | Coding paradigm | Open, selective, theoretical | Open, axial, selective | Initial, focused, theoretical | | Verification | Emergent fit | Systematic validation | Co-construction with participants | | Core output | Substantive theory | Process model | Interpretive theory | | Key text | Glaser (1978) | Strauss & Corbin (1998) | Charmaz (2014) | ### Choosing an Approach ``` Use Classic GTM when: - You want the theory to emerge with minimal preconception - You are studying a process in a substantive area Use Straussian GTM when: - You need a structured, systematic coding procedure - Your discipline values replicable analytical steps Use Constructivist GTM when: - You acknowledge the researcher's role in co-creating meaning - You study experiences, identities, or social processes - You work in health, education, or social science ``` ## The Coding Process ### Three-Stage Coding ```python def grounded_theory_coding_stages() -> dict: """ Describe the three stages of grounded theory coding. """ return { "stage_1_initial_coding": { "also_called": "Open coding", "description": ( "Examine data line by line or incident by incident. " "Generate codes that stay close to the data. " "Use gerunds (action words ending in -ing) to capture processes." ), "example": { "data": "I started looking for help online because the doctor " "did not explain anything to me.", "codes": [ "Seeking information online", "Experiencing communication gap with provider", "Taking initiative in own care" ] }, "tips": [ "Code quickly -- do not overthink individual codes", "Stay open; do not force data into preexisting categories", "Code actions and processes, not topics", "Write memos about ideas that arise during coding" ] }, "stage_2_focused_coding": { "also_called": "Axial coding (Strauss) or Focused coding (Charmaz)", "description": ( "Select the most frequent and significant initial codes. " "Use them to sort and synthesize larger amounts of data. " "Identify relationships between categories." ), "tasks": [ "Elevate initial codes to categories", "Identify properties and dimensions of each category", "Compare categories across cases", "Begin developing a conceptual framework" ] }, "stage_3_theoretical_coding": { "also_called": "Selective coding", "description": ( "Identify the core category that integrates all other " "categories into a coherent theoretical framework. " "Specify relationships between categories." ), "output": "A substantive theory explaining the phenomenon" } } ``` ## Theoretical Sampling ### Sampling Driven by Emerging Theory ``` Traditional sampling: Decide sample before data collection Theoretical sampling: Let the emerging theory guide who/what to sample next Process: 1. Collect initial data (purposive sampling) 2. Analyze data, identify emerging categories 3. Ask: "Where should I look next to develop these categories?" 4. Sample deliberately to fill gaps in the emerging theory 5. Continue until theoretical saturation Example: Initial interviews: Patients with chronic illness Emerging category: "Navigating insurance barriers" Next sample: Interview insurance navigators and social workers Emerging category: "Stigma in seeking help" Next sample: Interview patients who avoided seeking help ``` ## Memo Writing ### The Engine of Grounded Theory Memos are the researcher's running commentary on codes, categories, and theoretical ideas. They are the primary mechanism for developing theory. ``` Memo types: - Code memos: Define and elaborate a code or category - Theoretical memos: Explore relationships between categories - Operational memos: Record methodological decisions - Reflexive memos: Examine researcher influence on the analysis Memo example: MEMO: "Becoming an expert patient" (2026-03-05) Several participants describe a transition from passive recipient of care to active manager of their condition. This process seems to involve three phases: (1) initial confusion and dependence, (2) information seeking and experimentation, (3) confident self-management. The trigger appears to be a critical incident (a misdiagnosis, a bad interaction with a provider) that motivates the person to take control. Compare with Corbin & Strauss's trajectory framework. Need to sample someone early in the trajectory to test whether the trigger is consistent. ``` ## Evaluating Grounded Theory ### Quality Criteria | Criterion | Description | How to Demonstrate | |-----------|------------|-------------------| | Fit | Theory fits the data it was derived from | Show clear evidence trail from data to codes to categories | | Relevance | Theory addresses a real concern of participants | Member checking, resonance with practitioners | | Workability | Theory explains the process and enables prediction | Apply the theory to new cases | | Modifiability | Theory can be updated with new data | Show how the theory evolved during the study | | Credibility | Analysis is thorough and systematic | Audit trail, reflexive memos, theoretical saturation | ## Reporting a Grounded Theory Study Include: a clear description of the coding process and how categories were derived, a diagram or model of the theory, representative quotes for each major category, an explanation of theoretical sampling decisions, and a discussion of how the theory relates to existing literature. Use the SRQR (Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist to ensure completeness.