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. - long form options human casual but academically sound. natural tone
Select the statement that best expresses the essence of Grounded Theory:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Qualitative & Inductive: The text explicitly states that Grounded Theory is a "method of qualitative research that uses an inductive approach."
No Preconceived Theories: It notes that researchers "do not start with a theory or idea beforehand," which disqualifies options B and C (which focus on testing or applying existing concepts).
Real-World Data: The passage uses an example of interviewing individuals about job loss to show how theories are "grounded in the actual experiences and stories shared by the participants."
Theory Generation: The ultimate goal described is to "analyse the data to find patterns... used to create a theory."