What is the difference between grounded theory and phenomenology?

Grounded theory and phenomenology are the most common approaches to qualitative research used by nurses. Although there are differences between the two, they have much in common.

Both methods look at real life situations

Phenomenologists collate data from individuals and describe their experiences

Grounded theorists compare and analyse data from many sources

Neither method will suit all studiesSimilarities

Both take an interpretivist approach in which the researcher seeks to explore real-life situations, and require a high degree of interaction between the researcher and the individual, groups or situations being examined; this usually takes the form of interviews and/or observations. Both grounded theorists and phenomenologists seek to collect and analyse data from participants' perspectives and try to ensure their findings are not influenced by preconceived ideas. To achieve this they often involve participants in data analysis to increase the trustworthiness of the findings. In brief, grounded theorists and phenomenologists both seek to explore individuals' experiences in the context of the worlds in which they live.

Because both approaches have so much in common it...