It is quite general and does not lay out a particular step-by-step procedure. It “trusts” the process of emergence.  It doesn’t draw from a particular philosophical perspective of society.

The Glaser (Classic) approach to Grounded Theory

More concretely laid out procedure with specific techniques such as “axial coding” based on understanding phenomena with particular conditions/causes in mind.  This draws from a symbolic interactionism perspective on society. 

The Strauss and Corbin approach to Grounded Theory

More flexible approach. This approach doesn’t try to identify the “one true interpretation of the data” but instead embraces the idea that data and interpretation are subjective. There can be many explanations and “realities.” Each theoretical explanation or “generalization” should be “situated in time and space.”  This approach draws from a constructivist philosophical framework.  

The Charmaz approach to Grounded Theory

- Glaser (Classic)
- Strauss and Corbin
- Charmaz

Santa Clara University

People should use Grounded Theory as a research method to develop a theory that offers an explanation about the main concern of their population and how that concern is resolved.

http://www.groundedtheoryonline.com/what-is-grounded-theory/

What is Grounded Theory? (Dr. Helen Scott and Dr. Antoinette McCallin)

- First identify the area of interst
- Then collect data pertaining to area of interest
- Code collected data into various categories until core categories and/or main concerns emerge (open coding)
- Continue to collect data and code into the core categories, refine categories as needed (selective coding)
- Collect samples based on specific characteristics and continue to code data (theoretical sampling)
- Once the categories are saturated, begin to form the theory
- Read and integrate literature into theory
- Write up theory

Steps to use Grounded Theory

Pros:
- Can use quantitative and qualitative data of any type
- Gives the ability to seek out and conceptualize the latent social patterns and structures of various areas of interest through the process of constant comparison

Cons:
- Have to conduct significant amount of analysis before knowing what is going to be studied
- Very time consuming

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