What is the primary purpose of grounded theory?

The primary purpose of grounded theory is to generate theory based on data collected during research. This qualitative research method emphasizes the importance of deriving theories directly from the data itself rather than starting with preconceived hypotheses or theories. Grounded theory involves systematically gathering and analyzing data, and through this process, researchers can identify patterns, concepts, and categories that emerge from the data.

This approach allows for a deep understanding of social phenomena, as it is closely tied to the experiences and perspectives of the participants involved. Researchers iteratively collect and analyze data, continually refining their theories as new data becomes available. This ongoing process differentiates grounded theory from other approaches that may involve analyzing existing theories or simply providing descriptive statistics, as it is focused on developing a theoretical framework informed by direct evidence from the empirical study.