Grounded Theory in Knowledge and Information Science

This research aims to study different aspects and characteristics of grounded theory (GT) in accordance with a qualitative studies and information science.
The current study was conducted by using documentary research method and systematic review of the previous models and patterns. Also, an optimized framework proposed for building theory and evaluating the quality of grounded theory researches.
Findings: The results indicated that in order to build theory based upon the grounded theory in knowledge and information science, theorists should focus on “degree of conceptualization” and “theory scope”. According to this, they should first go beyond pure description; then go forward to interpretation step and redefine research problems; and finally reach the structured and evidence-based theories. Additionally theorists should focus on theory scope to get basic concepts, formal concepts and ultimately formal theories.
Grounded theory is an inductive and an exploratory methodology that provide a context for researchers in various subject fields to build theory. Researchers build their theories in a systematic way based on a real data, rather than previous theories. Grounded theory is used when our knowledge is limited in one area.