Grounded theory inductive strategy – UGC NET Question

Grounded theory is a qualitative approach in which researchers collect and analyse data simultaneously, allowing concepts and categories to emerge from the data rather than imposing a preconceived theory. Through constant comparison and theoretical sampling, they refine these categories into a substantive theory that is grounded in participants’ experiences. The emphasis is on building theory inductively rather than testing an existing framework. Because the stem describes developing theory inductively from field data, it is referring to grounded theory.

Option A:
Grounded theory seeks to move beyond rich description to generate explanatory frameworks that account for patterns in the data. Researchers continually compare incidents, refine codes and write memos to articulate emerging theoretical relationships. This iterative, inductive process matches the stem’s focus on theory development from field data, making grounded theory the correct completion.

Option B:
Phenomenology aims to describe the essence of individuals’ lived experiences of a phenomenon, often bracketing the researcher’s preconceptions. While it analyses qualitative data, its goal is not primarily to build a theory but to capture experiential meanings. Therefore, phenomenology does not fit the description of inductive theory development.

Option C:
Case study research involves an in-depth investigation of a bounded system such as an individual, group or institution. It may use multiple sources of data and can be descriptive, explanatory or exploratory, but it does not necessarily aim to produce a formal theory in the specific grounded-theory sense. Hence, case study is not the best label here.

Option D:
Narrative research focuses on the stories individuals tell about their lives and experiences and analyses these narratives for structure and content. Although it may generate insights and concepts, its primary orientation is toward narrative construction rather than systematic theory building from constant comparison. Thus, narrative research is not the correct term.