📖 Overview
Doing Grounded Theory presents Barney Glaser's methodology for qualitative research in the social sciences. The text outlines systematic procedures for collecting and analyzing data to generate new theories.
Glaser walks readers through the key steps and principles of grounded theory, from initial coding to theoretical sampling to writing memos. The book includes specific examples and instructions for handling data, developing categories, and moving from raw observations to conceptual frameworks.
The author addresses common challenges researchers face when applying grounded theory methods and provides solutions for overcoming research obstacles. Technical chapters cover topics like theoretical coding, sorting memos, and writing theory.
This foundational text explores the relationship between data and theory generation in qualitative research. The methodology presented aims to bridge the gap between abstract theoretical work and empirical observation in the social sciences.
👀 Reviews
Readers found this book more accessible than Glaser's previous works on grounded theory methodology. Several reviewers noted it provides clearer step-by-step guidance on conducting grounded theory research.
Liked:
- Clear examples from real research projects
- Practical advice on coding and memoing
- Questions at chapter ends help reinforce concepts
- Strong focus on staying true to data rather than forcing preconceptions
Disliked:
- Dense academic writing style
- Some sections feel repetitive
- Limited coverage of newer grounded theory developments
- High price for a relatively slim volume
One doctoral student reviewer wrote: "Finally made sense of GT after struggling with other texts." Another researcher noted: "Useful but could have used more concrete examples."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (42 ratings)
Amazon: 4.2/5 (28 reviews)
Google Books: 4/5 (15 reviews)
Most critical reviews focused on writing style rather than content. Social science researchers gave higher ratings than general readers.
📚 Similar books
Constructing Grounded Theory by Kathy Charmaz
This book presents a contemporary approach to grounded theory methods with step-by-step guidelines for data collection and analysis.
Basics of Qualitative Research by Juliet Corbin, Anselm Strauss The text provides systematic techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory through three stages of coding.
Qualitative Data Analysis by Matthew Miles, Michael Huberman, Johnny Saldana This methodological text presents methods for coding, displaying, and analyzing qualitative data across research traditions.
Discovery of Grounded Theory by Barney Glaser, Anselm Strauss The original text that introduced grounded theory outlines the fundamental principles and procedures of the methodology.
Developing Grounded Theory by Phyllis Stern, Caroline Porr This book breaks down the components of grounded theory research through examples from published studies and practical applications.
Basics of Qualitative Research by Juliet Corbin, Anselm Strauss The text provides systematic techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory through three stages of coding.
Qualitative Data Analysis by Matthew Miles, Michael Huberman, Johnny Saldana This methodological text presents methods for coding, displaying, and analyzing qualitative data across research traditions.
Discovery of Grounded Theory by Barney Glaser, Anselm Strauss The original text that introduced grounded theory outlines the fundamental principles and procedures of the methodology.
Developing Grounded Theory by Phyllis Stern, Caroline Porr This book breaks down the components of grounded theory research through examples from published studies and practical applications.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔍 Barney Glaser co-developed Grounded Theory with Anselm Strauss during their research on dying hospital patients in the 1960s, which revolutionized qualitative research methodology.
📚 Despite his collaboration with Strauss, Glaser later strongly opposed Strauss's interpretation of Grounded Theory, leading to a significant split in the methodology and two distinct approaches.
🎓 The book emphasizes "theoretical sensitivity"—a concept that encourages researchers to enter their field of study with minimal preconceptions, allowing theories to emerge naturally from the data.
🌟 "Doing Grounded Theory" was published in 1998 as a direct response to what Glaser viewed as misconceptions about the methodology, particularly those presented in Strauss and Corbin's work.
📖 The method described in the book has been used across diverse fields beyond sociology, including nursing, business management, education, and information systems, demonstrating its versatility as a research tool.