LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Describe the purpose for conducting a grounded
theory investigation.
Describe the process involved in grounded theory
data collection and analysis.
3, Describe how substantive theory is developed from
grounded theory research.
INDEX TERMS: Constant comparative analysis,
inductive research, theory building
Clin Lab Sci 2015;28(3):197
Wendy Miller EdD, MT(ASCP)SI, Elgin Community
College, Elgin, IL
Address for Correspondence: Wendy Miller EdD,
MT(ASCP)SI, Dean of Health Professions, Elgin
Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL
60123, 847-214-7308, wmiller@elgin.edu
INTRODUCTION
Qualitative research is defined as inquiry into meaning,
and may be used to generate theories based on the
coordination of findings and understandings.1 To some,
qualitative research may seem “unsystematic” or
“exploratory;” however, this is exactly what is necessary
to develop new theory.2 Grounded theory is one
qualitative research method that seeks to create theory
from the data itself. Using an inductive technique, the
researcher collects information and draws conclusions
from what is observed. According to Shank (2006),
complex settings are best understood by starting at
“ground zero” and allowing the data to guide the theory
development process.1
This article focuses on grounded theory research, which
is based on a framework that emphasizes situations
where the researcher starts with as few preconceptions as
possible. If the researcher is already familiar with the
setting under investigation, he must set aside what is
already known and allow the situation to speak to him.1
Many researchers find this difficult, and report that
having the ability to conduct grounded theory research
requires much time and effort to refine.1
The goal of a grounded theory qualitative study is to
build substantive theory that is “grounded” in the data;
this theory is typically localized, dealing with a
particular real-world situation or complex setting.3
Grounded theory was first launched in 1967 as a viable
research paradigm in sociology and was later refined in
such disciplines as health sciences and education.2
Grounded theory researchers believe that building a
theory is just as important and valid as testing a theory.1
I used a grounded theory technique for my dissertation
to study how medical laboratory science clinical
instructors viewed themselves as teachers. From my
research I was able to begin conceptualizing a theory of
clinical instructor identity based on the experiences of
the participants in the study.
Purpose
A basic qualitative investigation is especially useful for
uncovering the ways that individuals make sense of their
lives and experiences.3 Grounded theory research seeks
not to simply understand, but to build a theory that
explains the phenomenon of interest.3 Theory is
considered “grounded” because it is anchored in the
words and experiences of the participants. The
researcher begins with the individual stories of each
participant, and then through the analytic process takes
their stories apart and puts them back together again in
such a way that tells the story of all the participants
collectively.3 Grounded theory research emphasizes
discovery and is particularly suited to investigating
problems for which little theory has been developed.
Description and verification are secondary concerns in
this particular research method.4
The success of a grounded theory investigation depends
to some extent upon the sensitivity and analytical skills
of the researcher. In grounded theory, the researcher can Stakeholder Needs.xlsx