La aplicación de los criterios de la Grounded Theory en el análisis documental: Los textos legales y normativos españoles en materia de extranjería

This article aims to study the potential of applying a very standardized data collection and analysis methodology, such as the Grounded Theory, to thosedocuments or written texts that unveil the meaning (both apparent and latent) ofthe discourses contained therein. Clear examples of such material are the normsand legislation issued by the Civil Service. With the aim of analyzing this process,this article is based on the theoretical and methodological framework of the Grounded Theory. This then allows us to show how all research applying that methodology represents a cyclical and dynamic process led by six verbs indicatingaction: Assign Compare, Promote, Link, Integrate and Explain. Finally, inorder to specify this theory, the article shows, as an example, the steps taken in a research project where absolutely all the elements contained in that methodology were applied