Grounded theory for generating theory in the study of behavior

The use of grounded theory procedures for the study of information behavior has contributed to generating theory in this field. Thirty-one works were analyzed with regard to a) their relationship to the context in which the research was carried out, b) the aspect of information behavior researched, c) the use of grounded theory procedures, and d) the generation of theory. Most of the studies were carried out in the context of health information, and grounded theory procedures were for the most part only partially applied. The theoretical propositions produced depended on the subject being studied. Although this methodology is suitable for the study of an individual's interaction with information from that individual's own point of view, documentation of the procedures involved is often deficient.

► Works using grounded theory to study information behavior were analyzed. ► Most grounded research studies have been in the field of health information. ► Grounded theory procedures were for the most part only partially applied. ► Theoretical propositions were dependent on the subject being studied. ► Documentation of procedures was often found to be deficient.