Abstract
Grounded theory offers rich possibilities for health-related qualitative research, yet it is frequently misunderstood. Grounded theory is not simply a coding method, but a rigorous methodological approach, with core elements impacting the entire research process, whose goal is to generate a theory that is grounded in the data. Although there is not a unified definition of grounded theory among all its proponents, constructivist grounded theory (CGT) as formulated by Kathy Charmaz is particularly well suited to investigating complex social processes in health care. In this Method/ology article we (1) explain constructivism as a foundational worldview that presumes meaning is coconstructed by individuals through their interactions, (2) outline how the CGT approach grounds both the researcher and their outcomes in the data through an iterative process of data collection and analysis, and (3) describe how the CGT researcher moves beyond descriptive themes to develop a theory or explanatory model of specific social processes. This article highlights common pitfalls in qualitative health care research and provides practical guidance for clinician-researchers interested in pursuing CGT studies.