Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss) 扎根理論
Released已發布Apply Grounded Theory (Glaser and Strauss) to build theory inductively from qualitative data through open, axial, and selective coding. Use this skill when the user needs to develop new theory from data rather than test existing hypotheses, conduct theoretical sampling and constant comparison, determine when theoretical saturation is reached, or when they ask 'what theory explains this phenomenon', 'how do I code qualitative data systematically', or 'when do I stop collecting data'.
學術研究技能：Grounded Theory (Glaser & Strauss) 分析與應用。
Overview概述
Grounded Theory is a systematic methodology for constructing theory that is grounded in qualitative data. Through iterative cycles of data collection, coding, and comparison, the researcher develops concepts and categories that ultimately form an explanatory theory. The method was originally developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) and later diverged into Glaserian (emergent) and Straussian (structured) variants.
When to Use使用時機
- Building new theory when existing theories are inadequate or absent
- Exploring processes, interactions, or experiences in under-studied domains
- Generating substantive theory tied to a specific context
- When the research question asks "what is going on here?" rather than testing a hypothesis
When NOT to Use不適用時機
- When testing or verifying an existing theory (use deductive methods)
- When the research question requires measurement of frequency or magnitude
- When the researcher cannot commit to iterative data collection (theoretical sampling requires flexibility)
Assumptions前提假設
IRON LAW: In grounded theory, theory EMERGES from data — imposing a
pre-existing framework violates the methodology's core principle. If
you begin with a hypothesis and seek confirmation, you are NOT doing
grounded theory.
Key assumptions:
- Theory must be grounded in systematic data collection and analysis
- Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously and iteratively
- Theoretical sampling guides where to collect data next based on emerging categories
- Theoretical saturation — not sample size — determines when to stop collecting data
Framework 框架
Step 1: Open Coding
Break data into discrete incidents, events, or ideas. Assign initial codes (labels) to each segment. Use in-vivo codes (participants' own words) where possible. Generate as many codes as the data warrant — do not filter prematurely.
Step 2: Axial Coding
Group open codes into higher-order categories. Identify relationships between categories using the coding paradigm: conditions, actions/interactions, and consequences. Build subcategories that specify when, where, why, and how a category manifests.
Step 3: Selective Coding
Identify the core category — the central phenomenon around which all other categories integrate. Systematically relate all categories to the core category. Write a storyline that narrates the theory.
Step 4: Theoretical Integration
Refine the theory through constant comparison. Validate against the data. Produce a substantive theory with defined concepts, propositions, and boundary conditions. Report the audit trail of coding decisions.
Output Format輸出格式
Gotchas注意事項
- Do NOT begin with a literature review that biases your coding — Glaser insists on delaying the lit review until the theory emerges
- Constant comparison means comparing incident-to-incident, not just category-to-category
- Theoretical sampling is NOT the same as purposive sampling — it is driven by emerging theory, not pre-set criteria
- The Glaserian and Straussian variants differ significantly; state which approach you follow
- Theoretical saturation means no new PROPERTIES of a category emerge — not just no new codes
- Memo-writing throughout the process is essential, not optional — memos capture the analytical logic
References參考資料
- Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine.
- Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques. Sage.
- Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis. Sage.