The discovery of grounded theory : strategies for qualitative research

Most writing on sociological method has been concerned with how accurate facts can be obtained and how theory can thereby be more rigorously tested. In __The Discovery of Grounded Theory,__ Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss address the equally Important enterprise of how the discovery of theory from data—systematically obtained and analyzed in social research—can be furthered. The discovery of theory from data—grounded theory—is a major task confronting sociology, for such a theory fits empirical situations, and is understandable to sociologists and laymen alike. Most important, it provides relevant predictions, explanations, interpretations, and applications. In Part I of the book, "Generation Theory by Comparative Analysis," the authors present a strategy whereby sociologists can facilitate the discovery of grounded theory, both substantive and formal. This strategy involves the systematic choice and study of several comparison groups. In Part II, The Flexible Use of Data," the generation of theory from qualitative, especially documentary, and quantitative data Is considered. In Part III, "Implications of Grounded Theory," Glaser and Strauss examine the credibility of grounded theory. __The Discovery of Grounded Theory__ is directed toward improving social scientists' capacity for generating theory that will be relevant to their research. While aimed primarily at sociologists, it will be useful to anyone Interested In studying social phenomena—political, educational, economic, industrial— especially If their studies are based on qualitative data. 4e de couv.: Most writing on sociological method has been concemed with how accurate facts can be obtained and how theory can thereby be more rigorously tested. In The Discovery of Grounded Theory, Bamey Glaser and Anselm Strauss address the equally important enterprise of how the discovery of theory from data-systematically obtained and analyzed in social researchcan be furthered. The discovery of theory from data-grounded them:y-is a major task confronting sociology, for such a theory fits empirical situations, and is understandable to sociologists and laymen alike. Most important, it provides relevant predictions, explanations, interpretations, and applications. In Part I of the book, "Generation Theory by Comparative Analysis," the authors present a strategy whereby sociologists can facilitate the discovery of grounded theory, both substantive and formal. This strategy involves the systematic choice and study of several comparison groups. In Part II, "The Flexible Use of Data,· the generation of theory from qualitative, especially documentary, and quantitative data is considered. In Part III, "Implications of Grounded Theory," Glaser and Strauss examine the credibility of grounded theory. The Discovery of Grounded Theory is directed toward improving social scientists' capacity for generating theory that will be relevant to their research. While aimed primarily at sociologists, it will be useful to anyone interested in studying social phenomena-political, educational. economic, industrialespecially if their studies are based on qualitative data. "One of the rewards of reading this book is the restatement of the persistent theme that research of the kind Glaser and Strauss advocate is a thrilling and creative thing. The authors successfully transmit the sense of adventure, the air of excitement and of positive apprehension over what is discovered as one tracks down the clues and sorts among attractive altematives." -American Sociological Review "Most writing on sociological method has been concerned with how accurate facts can be obtained and how theory can thereby be more rigorously tested. In The Discovery of Grounded Theory, Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss address the equally Important enterprise of how the discovery of theory from data—systematically obtained and analyzed in social research—can be furthered. The discovery of theory from data—grounded theory—is a major task confronting sociology, for such a theory fits empirical situations, and is understandable to sociologists and laymen alike. Most important, it provides relevant predictions, explanations, interpretations, and applications. In Part I of the book, 'Generation Theory by Comparative Analysis,' the authors present a strategy whereby sociologists can facilitate the discovery of grounded theory, both substantive and formal. This strategy involves the systematic choice and study of several comparison groups. In Part II, The Flexible Use of Data,' the generation of theory from qualitative, especially documentary, and quantitative data Is considered. In Part III, 'Implications of Grounded Theory,' Glaser and Strauss examine the credibility of grounded theory. The Discovery of Grounded Theory is directed toward improving social scientists' capacity for generating theory that will be relevant to their research. While aimed primarily at sociologists, it will be useful to anyone Interested In studying social phenomena—political, educational, economic, industrial— especially If their studies are based on qualitative data."-- Provided by publisher Pt. 1. Generating Theory By Comparative Analysis. Generating Theory -- Theoretical Sampling -- From Substantive To Formal Theory -- The Constant Comparative Method Of Qualitative Analysis -- Clarifying And Assessing Comparative Studies -- Pt. 2. The Flexible Use Of Data. New Sources For Qualitative Data -- Theoretical Elaboration Of Quantitative Data -- Pt. 3. Implications Of Grounded Theory. The Credibility Of Grounded Theory -- Applying Grounded Theory -- Insight And Theory Development. [by] Barney G. Glaser And Anselm L. Strauss. Includes Bibliographical Footnotes And Index.