Grounded Theory in Practice : Real-Life Applications Across Disciplines

Grounded Theory in Practice explores grounded theory (GT) as a flexible, ethical, and practice-oriented research methodology across a range of academic disciplines. Drawing on the experiences of practitioners and researchers, the book demonstrates how GT is applied in real-world contexts to generate new, theory-driven insights from the ground up.

Focusing on the interdisciplinary potential of grounded theory, the book presents case studies and reflections from fields including nursing, education, socio-linguistics, and urban geography. It highlights how GT challenges traditional, top-down research approaches by encouraging open-ended investigation and the emergence of new theoretical understandings. Key developments such as constructivist grounded theory, ethical considerations, and innovations in coding and digital tools are explored in depth. By comparing how data is collected, analysed, and theorised across disciplines, the book dismantles siloed thinking and invites readers to reimagine GT as a dynamic, trans-discipline, evolving approach. Through accessible, practice-based examples, it offers a contemporary view of grounded methodology that speaks directly to the complexities of current research landscapes.

This book is intended for postgraduate students, academic researchers, and interdisciplinary practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of grounded theory. It is especially relevant for those looking to apply GT flexibly and ethically across varied research contexts and collaborate beyond disciplinary boundaries.

Suzie Dick is a lecturer in Education at Queen Margaret University, Scotland, and is a Fellow and Chartered Geographer with the Royal Geographical Society, UK.

Lissette Avilés is a lecturer in Nursing Studies and Ethics Lead in Nursing Studies at the School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, UK.

Susanne Kean is a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, School of Health in Social Science, Nursing Studies, UK.