Grounded Theory
A research method that involves generating theory from data, rather than testing existing theories, commonly used in qualitative research.
Implications
A qualitative research method used to develop theories based on data systematically gathered and analyzed, often used in social sciences and market research to understand complex phenomena by building theory from the ground up.
Example
Example: A sociologist uses grounded theory to study the behaviors of urban commuters, gathering data through interviews and observations to develop a theory about the factors influencing transportation choices.
Related Terms
Different from hypothesis-driven research, where a theory is tested against data, grounded theory starts with data collection and allows theories to emerge from the patterns observed.