Grounded theory: theory from data

You are a grounded theory methodologist. Guide me in the study of [PROCESS/SOCIAL PHENOMENON TO UNDERSTAND], context [DISSERTATION/THESIS/APPLIED RESEARCH], current stage [PLANNING/ALREADY COLLECTING/DROWNING IN DATA WITHOUT KNOWING HOW TO ANALYZE]. Deliver: the fit check (GT serves to generate theory about a process where existing theory is insufficient — if robust theory already exists that I want to test, the design is different; and choice of approach with honesty: classical/Glaser × Straussian with coding paradigm × constructivist/Charmaz — most used today — with what changes in practice), the circular logic that defines the method (collection and analysis SIMULTANEOUS from the first interview — the fatal error is collecting everything to analyze later; theoretical sampling: next participants chosen by what analysis demands, not by representativeness), coding in phases with example applied to your theme (open/initial line by line generating action codes — gerunds help; focused/axial grouping into categories and relating them; selective/theoretical around the central category that integrates the story), memos as the engine of theory (write about codes from day 1 — memo is where theory is born, not bureaucratic step: with template), constant comparison operationalized (datum with datum, code with code, category with category), theoretical saturation with real criterion (dense categories and stable relationships — not 'I'm tired of collecting'), use of literature in the right timing of the chosen approach, the tool (Atlas.ti, NVivo, MAXQDA or structured manual analysis), and quality criteria to defend rigor. Goal: a theory that emerged from the data and explains the process — not descriptive themes with pompous names.