Grounded Theory Methodology

Positivism, Hermeneutics, and Pragmatism

Bibliographic Data

ID12391981
AuthorsLars‐Johan Åge (Stockholm School of Economics, corresponding author), Lars-Johan Åge (Stockholm School of Economics)
Year2014
Publication date2014-12-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Report (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1052-0147 • E-ISSN: 2160-3715
PublisherNova Southeastern University (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.46743/2160-3715/2011.1319
OpenAlexW2109635473
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited4

Glaserian grounded theory methodology, which has been widely adopted as a scientific methodology in recent decades, has been variously characterised as "hermeneutic" and "positivist." This commentary therefore takes a different approach to characterising grounded theory by undertaking a comprehensive analysis of: (a) the philosophical paradigms of positivism, hermeneutics, and pragmatism; and (b) the general philosophical questions of the aims of science and the issue of choosing a scientific methodology. The commentary then seeks to position grounded theory methodology in terms of these philosophical perspectives. The study concludes that grounded theory methodology contains elements of positivism, hermeneutics, and pragmatism. In coming to this conclusion, the study clarifies the degree to which these three perspectives are found within Glaserian grounded theory methodology

Epistemology · Grounded theory · Hermeneutics · Positivism · Pragmatism · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Qualitative Research Methods and Applications · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics · Social Development and Education Research · Philosophy

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