A Comparative Methodological Examination of Grounded Theory and Its Capability in Theory Generation

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD student of sociology of social issues in Iran, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22126/tbih.2025.11725.1032

Abstract

This article, through a monographic documentary study and comparative analysis within the framework of qualitative methodology, examines grounded theory (data-based) from the perspectives of experts such as Glaser, Strauss & Corbin, and Charmaz. The objective is to identify and categorize the various approaches proposed in this field. This study serves as both a methodological survey and an analytical exploration of scientific understanding, addressing one of the most significant methodological approaches within the interpretive paradigm and inductive strategy. Unlike deductive reasoning and the affirmative paradigm, grounded theory follows an inverted funnel approach, making it a fundamental method in the humanities for developing and emerging theories.
Grounded theory has the capacity to generate hypotheses, create new categories, and even develop new theories that align with the cultural and social contexts of a given society, rather than merely validating pre-existing theories in a social field. In other words, grounded theory methodology focuses on constructing theory from the realities, information, and data available within the studied society. Research in this method begins in the field of reality, allowing the theory to emerge directly from the collected data. The study process starts by posing a research question and seeking answers within the research community. The researcher typically begins with observations and interviews, then identifies patterns, themes, and categories to develop new insights, conceptual categories, and theories.
This article highlights the exploratory power of grounded theory and examines the similarities and differences in the approaches of leading scholars. The analysis covers key methodological aspects such as ontology, epistemology, types of interviews, data collection methods, research quality assessment, coding stages, theory emergence, and theory presentation. By doing so, this study aims to elucidate the capabilities of grounded theory, emphasizing its depth in revealing social realities for better understanding and analysis of society.


Keywords

References

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