In qualitative research, what is the purpose of grounded theory?

The purpose of grounded theory in qualitative research is specifically to derive theories directly from data collection. This approach emphasizes generating a theory that is grounded in the actual data gathered from participants rather than starting with preconceived notions or theories. Researchers utilize systematic data collection and analysis methods to develop a theory that accurately reflects the patterns and themes found in the data. This inductive approach allows for the emergence of new insights, making it particularly valuable in exploring complex social phenomena where existing theories may not fully explain the observations.

This stands in contrast to restricting findings to existing literature, which would limit the scope of the research. Validating existing theoretical frameworks would imply that the research is aimed at confirming what is already known, rather than seeking new understanding. Supporting quantitative findings with anecdotal evidence would not align with grounded theory's focus on deriving theory from qualitative insights alone. Thus, deriving theories from the data collected is fundamental to the grounded theory methodology.