Grounded Theory Glossary

This step in the coding process follows open coding. The overall process is one of relating categories of information to the central phenomenon category.

• axial coding
• consequences
• ontext
• discover a theory

This is a unit of information analyzed in grounded theory research. It is composed of events, happenings, and instances of phenomenon and given a short label.

• category
• casual conditions
• phenomenon
• dimensionalized

In axial coding, these are the categories of conditions that cause or influence the central phenomenon to occur.

• causal conditions
• axial coding
• category
• ontext

In open coding, the researcher chooses a central category around which to develop the theory by examining his or her open coding categories and selecting one that holds the most conceptual interest, is most frequently discussed by participants in the study, and is most "saturated" with information. The researcher then places it at the center of his or her grounded theory model.

• central phenomenon
• memoing
• in vivo codes
• intervening conditions

Also known as logic diagram. In axial coding, the central phenomenon, causal conditions, context, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences are portrayed in a visual diagram. This diagram is drawn with boxes and arrows indicating the process or flow of activities.

• coding paradigm
• saturation
• selective coding
• strategies

Also known as coding paradigm. It is the theoretical model developed in a grounded theory study. It is helpful to view this diagram as more than axial coding.

• logic paradigm
• generate or discover a theory
• discriminant sampling
• dimensionalized

This is a diagram that presents the conditions and consequences related to the phenomenon under study. It enables the researcher to both distinguish and link levels of conditions and consequences specified in the axial coding model.

• conditional matrix
• constructivist grounded theory
• consequences
• constant comparative

In axial coding, these are the outcomes of strategies taken by participants in the study. These outcomes may be positive, negative, or neutral

• consequences
• theoretical sampling
• strategies
• substantive-level theory

This was an early term in grounded theory research that referred to the researcher identifying incidents, events, and activities and constantly comparing· them to an emerging category to develop and saturate the category.

• constant comparative
• propositions
• open coding
• properties 

This is a form of grounded theory specifically from the interpretive tradition of qualitative research. As such, it is less structured than traditional approaches to grounded theory. It incorporates the researcher's views; uncovers experiences with embedded, hidden networks, situations, and relationships; and makes visible hierarchies of power, communication, and opportunity

• constructivist grounded theory
• grounded theory study
• discriminant sampling 
• generate or discover a theory