Grounded theory is a type of social research methodology that emphasizes a qualitative approach. Grounded theory in its development is often understood as grounded research or grounded research, so that the definition should not be equated with the theory definition in other social sciences, such as functionalism theory or conflict theory.

Also read:  Sociological Theories Grounded theory is more relevant to be seen as a methodology than theory itself. Here an explanation of grounded theory will depart from an understanding of the application of grounded theory as a qualitative social research methodology. We’ll cover the definition of grounded theory first before moving on to an example.

Understanding grounded theory

Grounded theory focuses on qualitative research. Research that applies grounded theory is called grounded research. Grounded research is a research methodology or bias is also understood as a research approach where field data is a source of theory formulation. In other words, this study uses a theory that emerges later, when or after field data is collected.

For more details, I will briefly describe the background to the emergence of the grounded research method so that readers understand where it differs from other research methods. Social research that has developed recently, often uses grand theory or large theories that have matured as a research perspective or paradigm. There are various kinds of grand theory in sociology, namely conflict theory and functionalism, for example.

Read also Research Paradigm: Types and Examples The application of grand theory to the research process tends to result in verificative studies. This means that research is conducted to test pre-existing theories. Social statistical research and surveys that use hypotheses are considered as examples of verification studies. Such research models result in the emergence of “theoretical stagnation” in social science. Consequently, social science cannot develop.

Grounded theory or grounded research responds to these conditions by reversing the logic of developing research. In grounded research, a theory or grand theory is “abandoned” by the researcher. Researchers collect field data which is usually in qualitative form through in-depth interviews and participatory observation.

This data forms the basis of theory formation. In other words, theory comes from data in the field (on the ground). That is why it is called grounded. Grounded research opens up the potential for the birth of new theories because field data is dynamic and continues to develop, whereas established theories tend to remain constant.

There is a claim that social research that verifies theory such as survey or statistical research also has the potential to produce new theories. However, the new theory does not come from dynamic field data, but from static statistical data.

In grounded research, researchers develop concepts that will later become theories in the field. From the beginning to the end of the research, the researcher must be fully involved and in the field. This is different from survey research which can even be carried out without the researcher going to the field. Read also Survey Methods: Types and Examples

An example of grounded research

In its development, grounded research methods are widely applied to anthropological research. One of the books cited as an example by Masri Singarimbun and Sofian Effendi in “Survey Research Methods” about grounded research is a book entitled “Socio-Cultural Aspects of the Acehnese Society: Research Results with the Grounded Research Method”, edited by Alfian et al.

The introduction explains how the grounded research method is applied. As stated earlier, researchers took to the field without bringing the theories that have been read in the literature. Researchers conducted participatory observations and in-depth interviews to collect field data.

While in the field, concepts are developed. In developing concepts, researchers still do not apply existing theories as a frame of mind. Concepts that are built while in the field are often still developing when new data are obtained. Also read: Data Collection Methods

For example, Cliffort Geertz once built a theory about Javanese Muslim society which is divided into priyayi, santri and abangan classes. When at this time we want to do grounded research on Muslim communities in a village in Java, we don’t need to apply the classification made by Geertz. Instead, we have to look at the data and then come up with a concept as it speaks.

It is quite possible that the classification proposed by Geertz is irrelevant for the typical social situations of the communities we are studying, even if we do research in the same village that Geertz is researching. This is because social situations are dynamic, evolving, and constantly changing.