Editing Grounded theory (section)

== Use of preexisting theory ==
Different approaches to grounded theory reflect different views on how preexisting theory should be used in research. In ''The Discovery of Grounded Theory'', Glaser and Strauss<ref name="Glaser-Strauss" /> advanced the view that, prior to conducting research, investigators should come to an area of study without any preconceived ideas regarding relevant concepts and hypotheses. In this way, the investigator, according to Glaser and Strauss, avoids imposing preconceived categories upon the research endeavor.

Glaser later attempted to address the tension between not reading and reading the literature before a qualitative study begins.<ref name="Glaser, 1978"/> Glaser raised the issue of the use of a literature review to enhance the researchers' "theoretical sensitivity," i.e., their ability to identify a grounded theory that is a good fit to the data. He suggested that novice researchers might delay reading the literature to avoid undue influence on their handling of the qualitative data they collect. Glaser believed that reading the relevant research literature (''substantive literature'') could lead investigators to apply preexisting concepts to the data, rather than interpret concepts emerging from the data. He, however, encouraged a broad reading of the literature to develop theoretical sensitivity. Strauss felt that reading relevant material could enhance the researcher's theoretical sensitivity.<ref name="Thistoll Hooper Pauleen pp. 619–636">{{cite journal|last1=Thistoll|first1=Tony|last2=Hooper|first2=Val|last3=Pauleen|first3=David J.|date=2015-02-03|title=Acquiring and developing theoretical sensitivity through undertaking a grounded preliminary literature review|journal=Quality & Quantity|publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC|volume=50|issue=2|pages=619–636|doi=10.1007/s11135-015-0167-3|s2cid=254985492 |issn=0033-5177}}</ref>