Developing Grounded Theory: The Second Generation Revisited

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

Grounded theory is the most popular genre of qualitative research used in the health professions and is widely used elsewhere in the research world. In this volume, six key grounded theory methodologists examine the history, principles, and practices of this method, highlighting areas in which different strands of the methods diverge. Chapters cover the work of Anselm Strauss, Barney Glaser, Leonard Schatzman, and the postmodern and constructivist schools. Dialogues between the participants sharpen the debate and show key topics of agreement and disagreement. This volume will be ideal for courses on grounded theory that wish to show the ways in which it can be used in research studies.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

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.