The theory analysis process involves analyzing the concepts that arise from your data. This is a process that continues which requires flexibility as it is impossible to predict how much information you’ll have to collect ahead of time. Researchers who use grounded theory (GT) constantly analyse and collect new data until they reach a theoretical saturation or the point where new data does not contribute to their developing theory.
The first step in GT is to find themes that repeat after an in-depth analysis of the data. These themes are then classified and coded using relationship identification. This is the premise of GT analysis. It is known as open-coding. After open coding, researchers can make connections between concepts, or create substantive codes through a process of memoing and constant comparison. This aids in creating an integrated theory by putting disjointed concepts back together into hypotheses that can be tested. Concepts are then interwoven into these hypotheses via a process of axial coding.
After the researcher has identified or has tentatively identified a central or core variable, they selectively collect new data to keep this variable in their mind or conduct the process of theoretical sampling. This process limits the scope of their research and helps them focus their analysis on only the most relevant aspects to their research.
A theory is not just in the area of research but also as an instrument to help you make sense of your data and compare and contrast various aspects. This is an important part of GT analysis and should be included with your coding techniques and conceptual categories in your methodology section.