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Grounded theory analysis is a term used to describe a set of guidelines for conducting qualitative data analysis. It was originally developed by Glaser and Strauss (1967) and has subsequently gone through various revisions. In its original form, qualitative researchers were asked to dispense with theoretical assumptions when they began their research. Rather, they were encouraged to adopt a stance of disciplined naïvety. As the research progresses, certain theoretical concepts are discovered and then tested in an iterative fashion. In the case of the qualitative interview, the researcher is encouraged to begin the analysis at a very early stage, even as the interview is progressing. Through a process of abduction, the researcher begins to develop certain theoretical hypotheses. These hypotheses are then integrated into a tentative theoretical model that is tested as more data are collected.

This process follows a series of steps beginning with generating data. At this stage, the researcher may have some general ideas about the topic but this should not restrict the talk of the participant. From the very initial stages the researcher is sifting through the ideas presented and seeking more information about what are considered to be emerging themes. From a more positivist perspective, it is argued that the themes emerge from the data and that the researcher has simply to look for them. This approach is often associated with Glaser (1992). From a more social constructionist perspective, certain theoretical concepts of the researcher will guide both the data collection and the analysis. This approach is more associated with the symbolic interactionist tradition (Strauss, 1987; Charmaz, 2003).

Having collected some data, the researcher conducts a detailed coding of it, followed by the generation of bigger categories. Throughout the coding the researcher follows the process of constant comparative analysis. This involves making comparisons of codes within and between interview transcripts. This is followed by the stage of memo-writing, which requires the researcher to begin to expand upon the meaning of the broader conceptual categories. This in turn can lead to further data generation through theoretical sampling. This is the process whereby the researcher deliberately selects certain participants or certain research themes to explore further because of the data already analysed. At this stage, the researcher is both testing and strengthening the emergent theory. At a certain stage in this iterative process the researcher feels that he/she has reached the stage of data saturation – no new concepts are emerging and it is considered fruitless to continue with data collection.

A few examples are as follows: DiMillo et al. (2015) used grounded theory methodology to examine the stigmatization experiences of six BRCA1/2 gene mutation carriers following genetic testing; Searle et al. (2014) studied participants’ experiences of facilitated physical activity for the management of depression in primary care; Silva et al. (2013) used the method to study the balancing of motherhood with drug addiction in addicted mothers.