What is an inductive approach involving a systematic set of procedures to arrive at a theory about basic social processes?

The grounded theory method is centered around an inductive approach whereby researchers systematically collect and analyze data to develop theories grounded in the actual data itself. This process typically involves iterative cycles of data collection and analysis, where researchers continually refine codes and categories that help build a detailed understanding of social processes. Ultimately, the objective is to produce a theory that explains how particular social processes function, allowing for deeper insights into the phenomena under study.

In contrast, other methodologies focus on different aspects of research. The phenomenological method seeks to understand the lived experiences of individuals and focuses on the meanings they ascribe to those experiences, rather than developing a broader theory about processes. The ethnographic method emphasizes the cultural aspects of social phenomena through immersive observation, providing insights into the norms, values, and behaviors within specific populations rather than constructing theoretical frameworks. Case study research typically investigates a particular instance or example in depth but does not inherently follow the systematic procedures focused on theory development seen in grounded theory.