Final answer:
Grounded theory is used in qualitative research to inductively generate theory from empirical data, ideal for studies aiming to deeply understand personal experiences, particularly where diverse perspectives are integral. This method fits well with the symbolic interactionist perspective and is recommended when multiple research approaches are necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
When to Use Grounded Theory Research Method
Grounded theory is a qualitative research method that is employed when the goal is to generate a theory that explains a process, action, or interaction grounded in empirical data. This methodology is particularly useful when studying lived experiences, as it allows the researcher to develop a theory inductively from the data itself, avoiding preconceived notions or hypotheses. It is well-suited for research where multiple perspectives need to be examined, making it aligned with intersectionality scholarship, which values diversity in research approaches. Grounded theory can go hand in hand with other methods such as participatory and content analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding that some phenomena are difficult to convey through words alone and may require visual or participatory data to be fully captured.
Grounded theory is often employed in studies that embrace the symbolic interactionist perspective, where the aim is to understand the complex symbolic worlds of the participants. This perspective, advocating for qualitative methods, fits with grounded theory's iterative process of data collection and analysis. This method helps researchers to remain open and responsive to the data, thus fostering analysis that is deeply connected to the phenomena being studied. In summary, grounded theory should be used when a research project calls for an in-depth exploration of meaning and the generation of a substantive theory directly from the data.