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Rationale for Employing Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics

Prashneel Ravisan Goundar 1 * ,
Julia Petzl-Berney 2
1 Graduate Research School, University of New England, AUSTRALIA2 School of Science and Technology, University of New England, AUSTRALIA * Corresponding Author
Educational Point, 3(1), 2026, e149, https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/18164
Publication date: Mar 19, 2026
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ABSTRACT

This paper argues for the expanded use of Grounded Theory (GT) in Applied Linguistics (AL), a field increasingly characterised by complex, context-sensitive inquiries into language use. Despite its strong alignment with qualitative and interpretive paradigms, GT remains underutilised in AL research. Through illustrative examples, we highlight GT’s capacity to generate mid-range theories from real-world settings. The discussion includes the use of memoing, constant comparison, and theoretical sampling to explore the lived experiences of language learners and educators. The paper also offers practical guidance for novice researchers and suggests future GT-based directions, including research on digital discourse, translanguaging, and decolonial language policy. Ultimately, the paper positions GT as a rigorous and adaptable tool for theory-building in Applied Linguistics’ evolving methodological landscape.

KEYWORDS

Grounded Theory (GT) applied linguistics memos qualitative research design research method

CITATION (APA)

Goundar, P. R., & Petzl-Berney, J. (2026). Rationale for Employing Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics. Educational Point, 3(1), e149. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/18164
Harvard
Goundar, P. R., and Petzl-Berney, J. (2026). Rationale for Employing Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics. Educational Point, 3(1), e149. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/18164
Vancouver
Goundar PR, Petzl-Berney J. Rationale for Employing Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics. Educational Point. 2026;3(1):e149. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/18164
AMA
Goundar PR, Petzl-Berney J. Rationale for Employing Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics. Educational Point. 2026;3(1), e149. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/18164
Chicago
Goundar, Prashneel Ravisan, and Julia Petzl-Berney. "Rationale for Employing Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics". Educational Point 2026 3 no. 1 (2026): e149. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/18164
MLA
Goundar, Prashneel Ravisan et al. "Rationale for Employing Grounded Theory in Applied Linguistics". Educational Point, vol. 3, no. 1, 2026, e149. https://doi.org/10.71176/edup/18164

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