Grounded Theory Methodology and Grounded Theory Method

Introduction to the Special Issue

Bibliographic Data

ID7101169
AuthorsJ I Bakker (University of Guelph, corresponding author), J I Hans Bakker (University of Guelph)
Year2019
Volume52
Issue2
Pages91-106
Publication date2019-01-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Focus (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0237 • E-ISSN: 2162-1128
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00380237.2019.1550592
OpenAlexW2914824354
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited46

This introduction attempts to link discussions of grounded theory (GT) as a strategy (i.e., "method" in the narrower sense of technique, m) to a broader literature important for sociological theory, Methodology (M), and Methodology-in-general (Mg). There is considerable confusion about GT. What does it mean to be adequately grounded in the empirical information? Is GT a methodology, a theory, or both? The three levels of abstraction need to all be considered: (1) methods or methodology with a lowercase m, which references routinized techniques and strategies, such as constant comparison and simultaneous data collection and analysis; (2) Methodology with a capital M, which covers broader issues concerning the frame of analysis or "logic of method"; and (3) Mg, the most abstract level in which issues related to epistemology, ontology, axiology, teleology, and validity—issues often only implicit in Methodology—come into play most clearly. At the Mg level, we even enter into issues that were important during the famous struggle concerning methods (Methodenstreit) in Europe before World War I, including idiographic or "historical" versus nomothetic or "scientific" approaches—an idea associated with Wilhelm Windelband. That then touches on such philosophical ideas as the meaning of words like positivism, naturalism, phenomenology, pragmatism, existentialism and interpretivism. This article emphasizes Mg, or GT as Mg, building on earlier work. The relevance of Mg (especially GT as Mg) can be seen as important for a deeper analysis of GT as both a methodology and Methodology

Epistemology · Grounded theory · Nomothetic · Nomothetic and idiographic · Positivism · Pragmatism · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Contemporary Sociological Theory and Practice · Management and Organizational Studies · Philosophy · Qualitative Research Methods and Applications

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