Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research: A Practical Guide

by Gregory Hadley

Overview

In this revised and expanded second edition, Gregory Hadley unravels the often-tangled understanding among applied linguistics researchers regarding grounded theory, a widely recognized research methodology employed globally by social scientists, educators, and qualitative researchers.

This hands-on manual, specifically tailored for graduate students, supervisors, and researchers, not only clarifies the procedures and practical applications of grounded theory but also delves into the latest advancements, developments, and innovations in the field. The second edition offers a real-world guide that incorporates new techniques and approaches, thereby providing readers with a solid foundation and necessary skills to both effectively manage their field data and develop insightful theories with pedagogical implications for their learners. This book also offers effective strategies for explaining, justifying, and disseminating their theoretical insights to the applied linguistics community and beyond, making it a user-friendly resource for researchers in this dynamic domain. New activities and worksheets have been provided in order to lead readers toward higher levels of coding proficiency and mastery of the grounded theory method. This edition includes an expanded discussion on the importance of epistemology in qualitative research and a comprehensive exploration of contemporary grounded theories, and reveals some of the key strategies for the dissemination of grounded theory studies through conferences, papers, and monographs. Valuable insights and guidance are given for effectively communicating grounded theories within the confines of different venues. It will equip readers with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their grounded theory pursuits, and will provide insight as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of grounded theory research.

By harnessing the potential of the grounded theory method, readers will learn how to contribute meaningful insights to the applied linguistics community and related fields. This practical guidebook will be an indispensable resource for students and academics in applied linguistics.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781040447079
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/23/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	220

About the Author

Gregory Hadley is Professor of Sociolinguistics at Niigata University and a Visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford. He has authored and edited key works on grounded theory and English language teaching, including Grounded Theory in Action and English for Academic Purposes in Neoliberal Universities.

Table of Contents

Foreword

PART I: Understanding Grounded Theory

Introduction

The Emergence of Grounded Theory

Unlocking the Potential of Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics

The Need for this Book

Content Overview

On Style and Substance

1 Establishing Common Ground: Paradigms in Perspective

Toward Deeper Levels of Insight

Paradigms and Conceptual Metaphors

The Issue of Incommensurability

The Autopoiesis of Research Paradigms

Implications and Applications

Grounding Methodological Practices with Philosophical Insights

2 The Origins of Grounded Theory

Early Philosophical and Methodological Development

An Overview of Classic Grounded Theory

Diverging Paths

Conflict and Recriminations

External Critiques of Grounded Theory

Toward Equilibrium and Methodological Tolerance

3 Contemporary Grounded Theory

A Maturing Family of Methodologies

Dimensional Analysis

Constructivist Grounded Theory

Situational Analysis

Critical Grounded Theory

The Interconnected Nature of Grounded Theory Methodologies

Pause for Reflection

Comparing Grounded Theory with other Qualitative Research Methodologies

Toward Pragmatic Action

PART II: Doing Grounded Theory

4 Preliminary Decisions

Ethics, Ethical Review, and Ethicism

Gaining Access to Informants

Technical Decisions

Interview Transcripts

Packed for the Journey

5 Breaking New Ground Through Open Exploration

Wonder, Introspection, and Sensitivity

Observation, Note- Taking, and Early Coding

Repertory Grids

Conducting and Coding Qualitative Interviews

Memos

An Integrated Cycle of Exploration

6 Taking it to the Next Level: From Description to Theorization

Focused Coding

Conceptual Categories

Theoretical Coding

Getting to the Core

Theoretical Sufficiency

Summary

7 Spreading the Word: Theory Dissemination

Writing up Your Grounded Theory

Presenting Your Theory in Public

Summary

8 Final Thoughts

Taking Stock of What We Have Learned

Scanning the Horizon Ahead

Toward a Greater Contribution

Editorial Reviews

'This is a readable practical introduction to grounded theory with illustrative examples that guide the reader through a potentially complex topic.' — Professor Chris Kennedy, University of Birmingham

'This book provides a fascinating and very reader-friendly introduction to Grounded Theory, clears away some of the confusions surrounding it, critiques the debates and controversy that GT has sometimes aroused and provides a valuable hands-on guide for using Grounded Theory as a robust research methodology in applied linguistics.' — Professor Jack C. Richards, University of Sydney, University of Auckland, and Victoria University of Wellington

'In this book Gregory Hadley provides an authoritative and insightful treatment of how grounded theory can be used for analytical purposes in applied linguistic research. Covering not only the history and philosophical underpinnings of grounded theory, but also its practical usage, the book is a reader-friendly guide for both novice and seasoned researchers. It should be compulsory reading for any serious qualitative research scholar who wishes to employ grounded theory in a rigorous manner.' — Anne Burns, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

'...the author notes that grounded theory method (GTM) has experienced ‘marginalization and mistrust’ (p. 4) within the field of applied linguistics. This dynamic, in contrast to other fields of applied social science in which GTM has become one of the most frequently deployed qualitative research methodologies, has been fueled by applied linguistics' fundamentally quantitative origins, a lack of discussion within more general overviews of research methods in the field, and researchers claiming GTM to be based on erroneous or partial understanding. This background also goes some way to explaining the reasons why applied linguistics has had to wait until now for this first book-length exploration of GTM with specific reference to our field. [...] Hadley's work rewards start-to-finish reading, at least the first time around, as complex but useful metaphors and philosophical concepts are returned to throughout the book. [...] This accessible, practical guide is a superb starting point for any applied linguists hoping to employ GTM in their own work and for those interested in qualitative methodologies in general.' — System, Volume 77, October 2018, 110-112

'Hadley beautifully compares grounded theory methodology and other qualitative research methodologies, provides details and specific steps while also describing general features of grounded theory methodology, links general explanations of grounded theory with potential uses in applied linguistics (AL) research, and identifies reasons for the AL community’s greatly increased interest in grounded theory after a long period of wariness... Hadley’s book offers something more: systematic comparisons, examples useful to scholars in AL, clear and coherent explanations, powerful tables and figures, bright wit, and excellent writing. This volume is uniquely likely to be a major source for AL from now on.

Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research is important for anyone who wants to understand grounded theory and grasp its vast potential for AL research. The book is engaging and challenging and will lead readers into an innovative arena for AL inquiry.' — Rebecca Oxford, Book Review, Applied Linguistics 2018: 1–5

From the Publisher