Developing Grounded Theory

by Janice M. Morse, Barbara J. Bowers, Kathy Charmaz

Developing Grounded Theory: The Second Generation Revisited is a highly accessible description of the rapid development of grounded theories and the latest developments in grounded theory methods.

A succinct overview of the development of grounded theory is provided, including the similarities and differences between Glaserian and Straussian grounded theory. The method introduced by Schatzman, and the development of Charmaz's constructivist grounded theory and Clarke's situational analysis, are clearly presented. The book is divided into seven sections: each type of grounded theory is discussed by the developer (or their student), followed by a chapter describing a project that used that particular type of grounded theory. Bookending these chapters is the first chapter, which describes the development and landscape of grounded theory, and a final chapter describing the challenges to the future of grounded theory.



This book is ideally suited for beginning students trying to come to grips with the field as well as more advanced researchers attempting to delineate the major types of grounded theory.

372 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does not describe grounded theory (GT) as a method, rather, it is the second generation of GT specialists (those who worked with Strauss & Glaser) describing the history and current state of GT including various schisms and additions. It's not useful as a methods book in that it doesn’t instruct one in how to do GT but very interesting if you are a methods person or seeking to enhance GT work you are doing. It also helps to try to understand what the various types of GT are and people involved. It provides a couple of interesting studies to help better understand what the authors mean by their specific method within GT.

It does have a helpful “Resources” chapter with books about the method. Basically, if you're looking to learn more about doing general GT, this is not for you. If you want to learn more about the theory and ways to enhance or interpret how you are doing GT, it's definitely worth a read. Anyone doing a dissertation using GT should read it.