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From Theory Discovery to Meaning Construction: An Inter textual Analysis of Grounded Theory and the Presentation of an Integrated Methodological Protocol
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Amin Mohtashamifar1   , Kianoush Suzanchi *1 , Mohammad Reza Bemanian1 |
| 1- Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran |
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Abstract: (26 Views) |
Grounded Theory (GT), one of the most widely utilized approaches in qualitative research, has been employed in contemporary scholarship not as a single unified method but as a constellation of diverse methodological and paradigmatic readings. These interpretations—ranging from the classical data‑driven discovery of theory to systematic and constructivist perspectives—are founded upon different philosophical assumptions concerning the nature of reality, the researcher’s role, and the process of knowledge production. Despite this pluralism, the absence of a coherent analytical framework for the comparison and synthesis of these readings has led to conceptual fragmentation and occasional misuse of GT within qualitative studies. The present study aims to perform a systematic analysis and interpretive synthesis of the dominant readings of Grounded Theory in contemporary academic literature and to propose an integrated methodological protocol for its conscious and consistent application. A two‑stage qualitative review strategy was employed. In the first stage, selected Scopus‑indexed articles explicitly or implicitly utilizing Grounded Theory were coded and classified through directed content analysis, based on three major readings: the Classical (Glaserian), the Systematic (Straussian), and the Constructivist (Charmazian) versions. In the second stage, through interpretive synthesis and cross‑reading comparison, the study identified comprehensive methodological patterns, paradigmatic transitions, and shared and distinctive analytical logics. The findings reveal a gradual shift of Grounded Theory in contemporary literature—from discovery‑oriented and objectivist approaches toward interpretive and constructivist paradigms. The role of the researcher has transformed from a passive observer into an active interpretive agent; reflexivity has emerged as a central methodological component; and theorizing has evolved from static modeling toward dynamic, context‑sensitive processes. Furthermore, the analytic focus has expanded beyond individual experiences to encompass discourses, social structures, and power relations. Based on this synthesis, the paper introduces an integrated methodological protocol consisting of:
Determining the paradigmatic stance;
Selecting the reading appropriate to the research question;
Designing harmonized coding procedures;
Conducting continuous interpretive comparison; and
Advancing high‑level theorizing processes.
This protocol provides a systematic guide for enhancing conceptual coherence, methodological transparency, and analytical precision in qualitative research employing the Grounded Theory approach. |
Article number: 3 |
| Keywords: Grounded Theory, Intertextual Analysis, Qualitative Research, Methodological Protocol, Directed Content Analysis, Interpretive Synthesis, Meaning Construction |
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Full-Text [PDF 715 kb]
(13 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/04/5
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