The chapter "Essentials of Grounded Theory" from the book *Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide* by Melanie Birks and Jane Mills provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods of grounded theory. It begins by discussing the historical background of grounded theory, tracing its origins to the work of Anselm Strauss and Barney Glaser in the 1960s. The chapter highlights the influence of various methodological positions on grounded theory, including post-positivism, constructivism, and postmodernism. It emphasizes the importance of a researcher's philosophical stance and how it influences the methodology and methods used in grounded theory studies. The chapter outlines key essential methods of grounded theory, such as initial coding and categorization of data, concurrent data generation and analysis, writing memos, theoretical sampling, constant comparative analysis, theoretical sensitivity, intermediate coding, identifying a core category, and advanced coding and theoretical integration. Each method is explained in detail, with a focus on how they contribute to the development and refinement of a grounded theory. The chapter also includes a critical thinking section with questions to help readers reflect on the material, and a "Working Grounded Theory" example in the appendix, which illustrates how a researcher might apply these methods in practice. Overall, the chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the essential components of grounded theory research, preparing readers for more detailed exploration in subsequent chapters.The chapter "Essentials of Grounded Theory" from the book *Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide* by Melanie Birks and Jane Mills provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and methods of grounded theory. It begins by discussing the historical background of grounded theory, tracing its origins to the work of Anselm Strauss and Barney Glaser in the 1960s. The chapter highlights the influence of various methodological positions on grounded theory, including post-positivism, constructivism, and postmodernism. It emphasizes the importance of a researcher's philosophical stance and how it influences the methodology and methods used in grounded theory studies. The chapter outlines key essential methods of grounded theory, such as initial coding and categorization of data, concurrent data generation and analysis, writing memos, theoretical sampling, constant comparative analysis, theoretical sensitivity, intermediate coding, identifying a core category, and advanced coding and theoretical integration. Each method is explained in detail, with a focus on how they contribute to the development and refinement of a grounded theory. The chapter also includes a critical thinking section with questions to help readers reflect on the material, and a "Working Grounded Theory" example in the appendix, which illustrates how a researcher might apply these methods in practice. Overall, the chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the essential components of grounded theory research, preparing readers for more detailed exploration in subsequent chapters.