Socio-Technical Grounded Theory

Socio-Technical Grounded Theory (STGT) is a qualitative research methodology adapted from classical Grounded Theory for studying technology within its social and organisational context. It extends the original constant comparison and theoretical sampling principles of Grounded Theory to explicitly account for the interplay between technical artefacts, human actors, social structures, and contextual factors in software-intensive systems. STGT is particularly suited to accessibility and human-computer interaction research, where understanding lived experience requires capturing how technology mediates social relationships and daily practices rather than treating it as an isolated artefact. In inclusive design research, STGT supports the systematic development of theory from empirical data—such as caregiver interviews—while remaining sensitive to the sociotechnical realities of supported technology use.