Strategies for Qualitative Research

The authors of this book contend that the central problem in social science is how to use facts to generate theory in a continuous process of formulation and verification. This is the first practical introduction to grounded theory, and presents an effective and adaptable methodology for the conversion of research data into theory. The authors suggest that there is an over-emphasis in current thought on verification, and consequently too little emphasis on the prior step of discovering the concepts and hypotheses relevant to a particular area of study. They present detailed strategies for facilitating the discovery of grounded theory, and consider its credibility and practical importance. This book will help social scientists to take more complete advantage of recent advances in data collection and analysis, and is especially important for professionals and students in sociology, social anthropology and social psychology.