Grounded theorist · Mentor · Consultant researcher
Helen Scott, PhD
Helping researchers move from questions to conceptual understanding.
I support researchers to design grounded theory studies, develop their analysis and bring their theories together. I also work with organisations to understand human behaviour and inform meaningful change.
A practical approach
Working through the questions that matter.
Grounded theory becomes clearer through doing it: comparing incidents, generating and comparing concepts, writing memos and thinking through the relationships between categories. My work brings the methodological logic together with the practical decisions that arise in a study.
I work with postgraduate researchers, supervisors and practitioners across disciplines. Whether you are planning a study or trying to integrate your analysis, our starting point is what you are working through now.
How I can work with you
Research mentoring
Individual support with research design, conceptual analysis, theoretical sensitivity, integration and writing. I also support supervisors who are new to grounded theory.
Workshops and seminars
Practical learning and thoughtful conversation, from introductory exercises to troubleshooting questions arising in your research.
Research consultancy
Applied grounded theory research and consultancy for global, national and local organisations, including qualitative research and evaluation.
Experience and contribution
Grounded in practice. Open to conversation.
Learning, teaching and mentoring
I was trained in grounded theory by Barney Glaser. My PhD at the University of Portsmouth used grounded theory to study adult online distance learning, and was examined by Barney Glaser and Tom Andrews.
Since 2003, I have participated in, coordinated and led grounded theory seminars. My teaching and mentoring draw on this experience and on the questions researchers bring to their studies.
Connecting grounded theorists
I am a founding member of the International Association of Grounded Theorists, a member of the Grounded Theory Institute and a peer reviewer for the Grounded Theory Review.
I co-organised Grounded Theory Futures in 2024 and 2026. Through Grounded Theory Coffee Connect, I also offer a regular opportunity for researchers to meet and discuss their work.
My book
Using Grounded Theory
How to Develop Theory for Managed Change
A practical workbook for turning methodological understanding into analytical practice. Exercises, illustrations and a mini-project help you work through conceptual coding, constant comparison, memoing, theoretical sampling and theory development.
Published by Grounded Solutions Ltd, 2025.
Qualifications and professional background
PhD, Information Systems · University of Portsmouth, 2007. Research using grounded theory; examiners Barney Glaser and Tom Andrews.
MSc, Information Systems · Distinction, 2005.
BA (Hons), Business Studies · 1985.
Seminar and workshop experience
Attended Glaser’s Grounded Theory seminars: London 2003; Malmo 2003; New York 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010; Stockholm 2005, 2014; San Francisco 2005, 2009, 2012, 2017 plus the Advanced Seminar in 2012
Seminar co-ordinator: London 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008
Seminar leader (with Judith Holton and Antoinette McCallin): Manchester (2008), Oxford (2010)
Seminar leader (with Tom Andrews) Malta (2011), Dublin (2012, 2017), Cork (2013), Manchester, (2013), London (2015, 2016), Galway, (2019).
Seminar and Workshop leader: London (2016, 2017), Petersfield (2018, 2019) Online (Spring and Autumn, 2020 – 2026 inclusive).
Experience in online education
School of Computing, University of Portsmouth: As a Research Assistant – I researched and developed the ‘Integrated Pedagogical and Community Model’; a model for designing online learning for postgraduates. Also developed and co-tutored pilot unit based on this model: Engineering Interactive Learning Applications
Co-developed and sole tutor for online MSc unit Training Applications with Knowledge Media
Co-developed online MSc unit: Web Programming for Educational Applications.
Tutor online MSc unit Research Methods for Strategic Business Information Technology.
Online MSc Project Supervision
Institute of Education, University of London: Developed and ran 3 week option on Certificate in Online Education and Training . Run three times in 2002 and 2003.
Training: 5 week online course in E-moderating with Gilly Salmon
Publications
My work spans grounded theory methodology, substantive research and online learning. The full publication list is available below.
View publications, 2001–2025
Scott, Helen (2025). Using Grounded Theory: How to Develop Theory for Managed Change. Chichester: Grounded Solutions Ltd.
Scott, H. (2025). Sampling in Grounded Theory . The Grounded Theory Review: An international journal 25(1), 102–107.
Didier A, Nathaniel A, Scott H, Look S, Benaroyo L, Zumstein-Shaha M. Protecting Personhood: A Classic Grounded Theory. Qualitative Health Research. 2023;0(0). doi:10.1177/10497323231190329
MOURATIDOU, M., CROWDER, M., SCOTT, H.M.P. (2020) Grounded theory through the lenses of interpretation and translation. The Grounded Theory Review: An international journal 19 (2).
SCOTT, H. M. P. (2020). Prevention, early intervention and raising awareness of gambling harms: a rapid evidence assessment of the transferability of prevention / early intervention approaches to the gambling sector. Prepared for GambleAware, London.
MASON, S.T., BEGELFER, A., WANG, C., O’DAY, R., SCOTT,H.M.P, LEA, J., BROWN, K., ARROYO, L., TURGISS, J. A mixed methods evaluation of a pilot resilience training course on stress management. Public Health Open J. 2019; 4(1): 1-7. [Paper also presented to the American Psychological Association 2018 Conference, San Francisco, California].
HART, P. & SCOTT, H. (2017). Mark maximising in a context of uncertain contribution: a grounded theory in progress. The Grounded Theory Review: An international journal, 16(1).
SCOTT, H. (2017). Growing grounded theory: doing my bit. The Grounded Theory Review: An international journal, 16(1)
SCOTT, H. (2017). The grounded theory perspective: Its origin and growth, Glaser, B.G. Author of book. Reviewed in: Grounded Theory Review, 16(1). June, 2017.
THULESIUS, H.O., SCOTT, H., HELGESSON, G., LYNOE, N. (2013). De-tabooing dying control – a grounded theory study. BMC Palliative Care 2013 12:13.
SCOTT, H. (2012). Data Analysis: Getting Conceptual. In: Holton, J.A. & Glaser, B.G., (Eds.), The Grounded Theory Review Methodology Reader: Selected Papers 2004-2011. Mill Valley, CA: Sociology Press.
SCOTT, H. (2011). Conducting Grounded Theory Interviews Online. In: Martin, V.B. and Gynnild, A. (Eds.), Grounded Theory The Philosophy, Method and Work of Barney Glaser. Boca Raton, Florida: Brown Walker Press.
SCOTT, H. (2009). Data Analysis: Getting Conceptual. The Grounded Theory Review: An international journal, 8(2), 89 – 109
SCOTT, H. (2007). The Temporal Integration of Connected Study into a Structured Life: A Grounded Theory. In B. G. Glaser & J. A. Holton (Eds.), The Grounded Theory Seminar Reader 2007. Mill Valley, California: Sociology Press.
SCOTT, H. (2007a). The Temporal Integration of Connected Study into a Structured Life: A Grounded Theory. The Grounded Theory Review: An international journal, 6(2), 95 – 115.
SCOTT, H. (2007b). The Temporal Integration of Connected Study into a Structured Life: A Grounded Theory (Download the 1966 Kb pdf file). University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth.
JEFFCOTE, R., MORICE, J., & SCOTT,H. (2006) Bringing down the barriers to studying in the Creative Industries in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight: University of Portsmouth
KING T., SCOTT, H. (2002). Realising the post-graduate experience in online learning. Knowledge Forum and the research curriculum. Workshop: Institute for Knowledge Innovation and Technology, Workshop presentation.
KING T., ROSBOTTOM, J., SCOTT H., (2002). Maintaining interactivity in distance HCI education. BCS Human Computer Interaction. Workshop presentation.
KING, T. and SCOTT, H. (2001) Community Building On-line: Improving Access to Continuing Professional Development for Part-time Post-graduates, in Handbook of CAL2001 Conference, Learning across the ages – looking back and looking forwards, University of Warwick, April, 249
KING T., ROSBOTTOM, J., SCOTT, H., (2001). Implementing Web-based Collaborative Problem-based Learning, in Handbook of 8th Int. Conf. ALT-C 2001: Changing Learning Environments, University of Edinburgh, 11-13 Sept, p.168 University of York, 4-6 July, Session 70
What are you working on?
Tell me about your study, your methodological question or the organisational issue you want to understand.