ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors describe grounded theory in the forms that qualitative researchers tend to adopt, consider the interrelated processes involved in conducting a grounded theory study and explain the practical tenets required to carry out such a study. They suggest that a number of different types of grounded theory have emerged over the years. Grounded theory at a fundamental level is a research approach that focuses on interaction, action and processes. It has the overt purpose of generating theory from empirical data by use of inductive analysis called constant comparison of data. Constructivist grounded theory is essentially a flexible approach to undertaking grounded theory in which it is recognized that the world of social research is ever changing. Discursive grounded theory is proposed by McCreaddie and Payne as a useful addition to existing research approaches. This approach was developed by the authors to explore spontaneous humour in healthcare settings.
