Johanna C. van Niekerk
ABSTRACT
Grounded Theory is growing in popularity as a research method in ICT research areas such as Information Systems and Software Engineering. Although there are two distinct methods, namely the Glaserian and the Straussian versions, a substantial number of research articles tend to ignore the difference and just claim that they are using grounded theory. To a researcher new to the grounded theory method, the two methods look very similar. Because the Straussian method is more prescriptive, most opt to follow this method, without investigating the Glaserian version. The few who try to use a hybrid of the two methods (not appreciating that the two methods are substantially different), only realize after a significant investment in time that the methods are not reconcilable and that either the one or the other should be followed. To contribute towards eliminating the confusion, this paper investigates the differences between the two methods. This will, hopefully, enable ICT researchers to make a more informed decision on which method to follow.
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Index Terms
- Glaserian and Straussian grounded theory: similar or completely different?
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