2nd Edition

Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics Research A Practical Guide

By Gregory Hadley Copyright 2026
220 Pages 39 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

220 Pages 39 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

220 Pages 39 B/W Illustrations
by Routledge

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... Read more

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

Biography

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.

"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

"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

"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

"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."
Jack C. Richards, University of Sydney, University of Auckland, and Victoria University of Wellington