Grounded Theory is a research method used in social sciences to develop theories based on data collected from real-world observations. Instead of starting with a preconceived hypothesis, researchers gather information through interviews, surveys, or observations, allowing patterns and concepts to emerge naturally. This approach helps to create a theory that is closely tied to the actual experiences of people, making it more relevant and applicable.
The process involves coding the data, identifying key themes, and refining these themes into a coherent theory. Grounded Theory is particularly useful in fields like sociology, psychology, and education, where understanding complex human behaviors and interactions is essential.