Open AccessTracing the History of Grounded Theory Methodology: From Formation to Fragmentation
Author(s) -
Méabh Kenny,
Robert Fourie
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the qualitative report
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 35
ISSN - 2160-3715
DOI - 10.46743/2160-3715/2014.1416
Subject(s) - grounded theory , epistemology , constructivist grounded theory , confusion , sociology , context (archaeology) , fragmentation (computing) , tracing , qualitative research , social science , history , psychology , philosophy , computer science , archaeology , psychoanalysis , operating system
There are very few articles, which track the history of Grounded Theory (GT) methodology from its tentative conception to its present divisions. This journal article addresses the dearth by tracing the history of GT methodology from its conception in the 1960’s, discussing the context of its composition, character, and contribution. Subsequently, the article follows the maturation of GT which is characterised by a series of contentious and, at times, antagonistic academic debates. The crux of these debates centres on disputes over core tenets of GT and have resulted in three dominant and divergent configurations of the GT methodology: Classic, Straussian, and Constructivist GT. These factions can often create confusion for the researcher wishing to embark on a GT study. However, an examination of the history of the GT methodology sheds light on the logic of these schisms.