Ji Cho & Eun-Hee Lee (2014)
Clarifies key differences between grounded theory and qualitative content analysis to guide appropriate method choice in qualitative research.
This article addresses persistent confusion between grounded theory and qualitative content analysis by explicitly mapping where they overlap and where they diverge. Based on a literature review and critical reflection on the authors’ research, it identifies six areas of difference, including philosophical grounding, analytic process, intended outcomes, and how trustworthiness is evaluated. The paper is useful as a decision aid for researchers and students who need to justify choosing qualitative content analysis versus grounded theory and align their analysis, claims, and quality criteria accordingly.
Literature review combined with critical reflection comparing grounded theory and qualitative content analysis across major methodological dimensions.
Basic knowledge of qualitative research designs, especially grounded theory and qualitative content analysis terminology.