________ was first developed by sociologists B. Glaser and A. Strauss (1967), in an attempt to come to grips with their clinical research in medical sociology.

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Correct option is D

Grounded Theory

Grounded Theory was first developed by Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss in their 1967 book, The Discovery of Grounded Theory. This methodology was specifically created to address the challenges they encountered in their clinical research in medical sociology. Unlike traditional sociological methods that begin with a hypothesis, Grounded Theory starts with data collection and allows theories to emerge organically from the data itself. This inductive approach contrasts with deductive methods that test existing theories.

Grounded Theory involves gathering qualitative data and analyzing it through a process of coding, categorization, and constant comparison to build a theory grounded in the data rather than preconceived notions. It is widely used in social research, especially when exploring complex social phenomena where existing theories may not apply effectively.

Information Booster:

1. Grounded Theory emphasizes the importance of developing theories based on empirical data rather than starting with a hypothesis.

2. It is commonly used in qualitative research, particularly in sociology, psychology, and healthcare, where researchers seek to understand patterns of behavior or societal phenomena.

3. Glaser and Strauss developed Grounded Theory as a response to the limitations of existing research methods that were not sufficient to address the complexities of the social realities they were studying in medical sociology.

4. The process involves creating codes from data, developing categories, and formulating hypotheses to explain the patterns observed.

5. Grounded Theory has been widely influential in qualitative research and has led to the development of numerous other theories in various fields, including healthcare and education.

Additional Information:

• Conflict Theory: A theoretical framework developed by Karl Marx and others, it focuses on the power struggles between different social groups, especially between the ruling class and the working class. It is not related to Glaser and Strauss' work on Grounded Theory.

• Structural Functionalist Theory: Associated with Emile Durkheim and later Talcott Parsons, this theory emphasizes the role of social structures in maintaining stability in society. It is a macro-level theory and is not related to Grounded Theory.

• Functionalist Theory: Similar to Structural Functionalism, Functionalist Theory views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. It is not associated with the Grounded Theory methodology.