Which one of the following is a tool of grounded theory?

CONCEPT

Qualitative methodologies pair a research aim with a characteristic way of analysing data.

Grounded theory develops theory inductively while data collection and analysis proceed together; recurring comparisons refine codes into categories and theoretical relationships.

APPLICATION

Constant comparison repeatedly compares incident with incident, incident with category, and category with category. These comparisons reveal similarities and differences, guide further sampling, and sharpen the emerging grounded theory.

CONTRAST

• Auditing examines records and decision trails to assess the transparency, dependability, and confirmability of a study.

• Deconstruction of narratives interprets tensions, assumptions, and oppositions within narrative texts.

• Use of uncritical language describes wording adopted without reflexive scrutiny of its embedded assumptions.

CROSS-CHECK

A grounded-theory tool should directly support iterative category building from data. Repeated comparison performs that analytic function, so the answer is Constant comparison.