What is the primary focus of grounded theory in qualitative research?

The primary focus of grounded theory in qualitative research is building a theory from the collected data. Grounded theory is a systematic methodology that involves the generation of theory through the collection and analysis of data. Researchers begin with an area of study and aim to develop a theory that addresses the phenomenon being investigated. The process typically involves iterative data collection and constant comparative analysis, where new data is compared with existing data and categories.

Grounded theory is distinct because it allows for the emergence of theories that are closely tied to the data itself, rather than starting with a pre-existing hypothesis. This is crucial in qualitative research, as it ensures that the theories developed are rooted in the actual experiences and perspectives of participants, rather than being influenced by existing literature or assumptions.

Other research approaches may focus on exploring individual meanings, narratives, or shared attributes, but the essence of grounded theory is its commitment to developing a theoretical framework directly from data, making it a foundational method in qualitative research for theory generation.