What is the primary purpose of grounded theory in qualitative research?

The primary purpose of grounded theory in qualitative research is to develop a theory that is based on real data collected from people, rather than starting with a preconceived idea. This means researchers gather information through interviews, observations, or other methods, and then analyze this data to find patterns and themes. For example, if a researcher wants to understand how students feel about online learning, they might interview several students and then look for common feelings or experiences that emerge from their responses. By doing this, the researcher creates a theory that truly reflects the students' experiences, making it more relevant and accurate. Grounded theory helps ensure that the findings are rooted in the actual experiences of the participants, rather than the researcher's assumptions.