Grounded theory constant comparison – UGC NET Question

Grounded theory is an inductive qualitative approach in which theories are generated from data rather than tested as in traditional hypothesis-driven research. A core procedure is constant comparative analysis, where incidents are compared within and across categories to refine concepts and relationships. Through iterative coding, memoing and sampling, the researcher develops a substantive theory grounded in participants’ experiences. Thus, the approach described in the stem is correctly called grounded theory.

Option A:
Narrative theory focuses on the structure and meaning of stories people tell, analysing plots, characters and temporal sequences. Although it may involve some comparison of narratives, constant comparison for systematic category development is not its defining feature. Therefore, narrative theory is not the best completion.

Option B:
Phenomenological theory or phenomenological research aims to understand the essence of lived experience from the participants’ point of view. It uses deep reflection and description rather than constant comparative coding to build formal categories and properties. Hence, phenomenological theory does not match the method in the stem.

Option C:
Grounded theory researchers move back and forth between data collection and analysis, letting emerging categories guide further sampling until theoretical saturation is reached. This heavy reliance on constant comparison aligns exactly with the description given in the question.

Option D:
Ethnographic theory or ethnography is concerned with understanding cultural patterns and social practices through prolonged fieldwork and participant observation. While coding is used, the central emphasis is on holistic cultural description rather than theory generation via constant comparison of incidents. Thus, ethnographic theory is not the correct answer.