Oscillating among Different Traditions of Grounded Theory

Abstract

Grounded theory is one of the major research designs used in qualitative studies. However, there is more than one genre of grounded theory. Some authors highlight the basic dichotomy between Strauss and Glaser’s approaches to grounded theory while still others go further to highlight that the grounded theory method is in fact more than a dichotomy, but a ‘contested concept.’ Though others seem to downplay such a contest, there are others who suggest that one does not have to choose between the two approaches, adding that a balanced approach is ideal as there is a lot to learn from all grounded theory forbearers. This paper provides an outline of the uncontested concepts of grounded theory while highlighting the options among the various grounded theory approaches.