How is "grounded theory" best described?

Grounded theory is best described as a qualitative approach that develops theories from gathered data. This methodology is particularly focused on generating theories that are grounded in the actual data collected during the research process. Researchers using grounded theory typically engage in iterative coding and analysis, allowing themes and patterns to emerge directly from the data, rather than imposing pre-existing theories or frameworks.

This approach is distinct because it enables a deep understanding of the context and complexities of social phenomena, helping sociologists to construct new theoretical insights that are closely tied to respondents' experiences and perspectives. By doing so, grounded theory provides a flexible and dynamic way to explore social realities, making it especially valuable in sociological research where existing theories may not fully capture emerging trends or behaviors.