Grounded Theory emphasizes theory development through iterative data collection and analysis. Which data collection method is typical?

Grounded Theory emphasizes theory development through iterative data collection and analysis. Which data collection method is typical?

• A. Large-scale surveys
• B. Iterative interviews
• C. Cross-sectional polls
• D. Secondary document analysis

Answer: (B)

Iterative data collection and analysis drive Grounded Theory, and the data collection method that fits this approach best is in-depth interviews conducted in multiple waves. Researchers begin with open-ended interviews, code what they hear, and then use the emerging ideas to shape subsequent questions and pursue new or disconfirming evidence. This cycle—collect data, analyze, refine concepts, collect more data focused on developing those concepts—continues until the theory is well developed and saturated. Iterative interviews enable researchers to probe evolving categories, compare incidents, and expand or modify the theory as insights emerge. While surveys or document analysis can contribute, they don’t support the same ongoing, theory-building cycle as closely as iterative interviews.

Iterative data collection and analysis drive Grounded Theory, and the data collection method that fits this approach best is in-depth interviews conducted in multiple waves. Researchers begin with open-ended interviews, code what they hear, and then use the emerging ideas to shape subsequent questions and pursue new or disconfirming evidence. This cycle—collect data, analyze, refine concepts, collect more data focused on developing those concepts—continues until the theory is well developed and saturated. Iterative interviews enable researchers to probe evolving categories, compare incidents, and expand or modify the theory as insights emerge. While surveys or document analysis can contribute, they don’t support the same ongoing, theory-building cycle as closely as iterative interviews.