ABSTRACT

The grounded theory approach to qualitative research is defined as a methodology for getting from the systematic collection of data to production of a multivariate conceptual theory. The grounded theory method has been used successfully in many circumstances, disciplines and cultures. The fact that it is easily generalizable to many disciplines and a variety of research topics has contributed to its increasing acceptance worldwide. It is considered a general method. It can be used on any data or combination of data. Grounded theory is linked to qualitative data and is seen as a qualitative method, using symbolic interaction. This chapter describes the steps to follow in carrying out the method.