To read this content please select one of the options below:

On Grounded Theory – with some malice

Lars Seldén (Swedish School of Library and Information Science, University College of Borås and Göteborg University, Borås, Sweden)

Journal of Documentation

ISSN: 0022-0418

Article publication date: 1 February 2005

5634

Abstract

Purpose

To review critically the applicability of Grounded Theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Two perspectives are used: that of the author's personal experience and that of the internal pros and cons of Grounded Theory.

Findings

Grounded Theory is called into question regarding problems with pre‐understanding, with everyday knowledge, with disconnection of context, and with coding procedure.

Practical implications

It is important to think twice before using Grounded Theory in spite of its promising features at the outset.

Originality/value

Empirically and theoretically founded critique of Grounded Theory

Keywords

Citation

Seldén, L. (2005), "On Grounded Theory – with some malice", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 61 No. 1, pp. 114-129. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220410510578041

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles