Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on the passage:
Grounded Theory (also known as Grounded Research) is a method of qualitative research that uses an inductive approach to develop theories based on empirical data, making it closely connected to the principles of inductive reasoning in research. Researchers do not start with a theory or idea beforehand. Instead, they analyse the data to find patterns and themes. These patterns and themes are then used to create a theory that explains the social process or situation being studied.
Imagine researchers want to understand how people cope with job loss. They start by interviewing several individuals who recently lost their jobs, asking open-ended questions about their experiences and emotions. As they analyse these interviews, patterns begin to emerge- such as strategies people use to find new employment, emotional responses like stress or resilience, and changes in personal relationships. From these patterns, the researchers develop theories about the different ways individuals cope with job loss. These theories are grounded in the actual experiences and stories shared by the participants, providing a rich and detailed understanding of this aspect of human behavior.
What makes Grounded Theory stand apart from other research methods?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The passage explicitly states, "Researchers do not start with a theory or idea beforehand. Instead, they analyse the data to find patterns and themes." It emphasizes that Grounded Theory uses an inductive approach, where the theory is "grounded" in actual empirical data rather than being pre-established.