ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to grounded theory, with practical advice on what it is and how to work with it. It sets out different versions of grounded theory and what they have in common, stages in generating a grounded theory, the tools of grounded theory (e.g. theoretical sampling, coding, memoing, constant comparison, the core variable, saturation and theory generation), the strength of grounded theory, evaluating grounded theory, preparing to work in grounded theory and some suggested key characteristics, abilities and sensitivities of researchers working with grounded theory. The chapter also raises some concerns about grounded theory, for example, its status as a theory, whether it is discovered or invented, the role of literature, what is the ‘ground’ in grounded theory, and the nature of generalizability of the grounded theory.
