Grounded Theory Research: Procedures, Canons and Evaluative Criteria
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© F. Enke Verlag Stuttgart Zeitschrift für Soziologie, Jg. 19, Heft 6, Dezember 1990, S. 418-427 Grounded Theory Research: Procedures, Canons and Evaluative Criteria Juliet Corbin, Anselm Strauss Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of California. N-631-Y San Francisco, CA 94143, U.S. A. Abstract: Using grounded theory as an example, this paper examines three methodological questions that are generally applicable to all qualitative methods. How should the usual scientific canons be reinterpreted for qualitative research? How should researchers report the procedures and canons used in their research? What evaluative criteria should be used in judging the research products? The basic argument we propose is that the criteria should be adapted to fit the procedures of the method. We demonstrate how we have done this with grounded theory and suggest criteria for evaluating studies done in this mode. We suggest that other qualitative researchers might be similarly specific about their procedures and evaluative criteria. In this paper1 we address three related methodolo 1. Grounded theory: Overview and Brief gical issues. How should the usual scientific canons Description of its Canons and Procedures be redefined for qualitative research in social science? How should qualitative researchers report Qualitative methods, like their quantitative cous the procedures and canons used in their research? ins, can be evaluated in terms of their canons and What evaluative criteria should be used in judging procedures only if these are made explicit. In this the products of particular studies? These products section, we describe those of grounded theory. are not all identical since researchers may variously (For a more detailed explanation of the method aim at producing rich descriptions, ethnographic see: Glaser/Strauss 1967; Glaser 1978; Strauss fact-finding accounts, narratives that yield Verste 1987: Strauss/Corbin 1990). First, however, we hen, theoretical analyses of particular phenomena, shall briefly note an issue well recognized by quali systematic theory, or politically intended con tative researchers. Qualitative studies (and re sciousness-raising documents. Presumably, re search proposals) are often judged by quantitative searchers who aim at such different goals will use ly-oriented readers; by many, though not all, this is at least somewhat different sets of procedures. If done in terms of quantitative canons. Some quali so, we should not judge these research results by tative researchers have, of course, maintained that exactly the same criteria. those canons are inappropriate to their work (Cf, Agar 1986; Guba 1981; Kirk/Miller 1986), and We will attempt to illuminate these methodological probably most believe these must at least be modi issues by demonstrating how we have redefined the fied to fit qualitative research. Grounded theorists criteria in light of the procedures of grounded share a conviction with many other qualitative theory methodology. To do this we have had to researchers that the usual canons of “good science” explicate some of its procedural steps. We con should be retained; but they require redefinition in clude the paper by offering a specific set of criteria order to fit the realities of qualitative research and for evaluating studies done in this mode. Our the complexities of social phenomena that they intent is to show how this can be done and to seek to understand. These scientific canons include challenge other qualitative researchers to take up significance, theory-observation compatibility, the task of spelling out their own procedures (Cf, generalizability, consistency, reproducibility, pre Miles/Huberman 1984: Manning 1987) and evalua cision, and verification (Cf, the succinct discussion tive criteria. in Gortner/Schultz 1988: 204).2 1 We wish to thank several colleagues (Kathy Charmaz, Adele Clarke, Uta Gerhardt, Barney Glaser, David Maines, Virginia Olesen, Leonard Schatzman, Joseph 2 These canons are so much taken for granted by physical Schneider, Hans-Georg Soeffner and Leigh Star) whose and biological scientists, that even philosophers of often detailed comments on earlier drafts appreciably science do not explicitly discuss most of them except for improved this paper by aiding us to clear up ambiguities verification, though other canons like precision, consis and even inconsistencies, and prevent possible misun tency, and relevance are certainly implicit; see Popper derstandings. 1959. Juliet Corbin/Anselm Strauss: Grounded Theory Research: Procedures, Canons and Evaluative Criteria 419 The dangers that must be guarded against when ser/Strauss 1967: 161-184). Naturally, the investi using such terms lie in their positivistic connota gator will use the usual methods suggested in the tions. There is no reason to define or use those interview and field work literature to assure credi terms in accordance with the standards of quanti bility of respondents, and avoid biasing their re tative social researchers, any more than one would sponses as well as their observations (Guba 1981, strictly follow those of physical scientists. Every Hammersley/Atkinson 1983; Kirk/Miller 1986; mode of discovery develops its own standards - Johnson 1975). and canons and procedures for achieving them. What is important is that all of these are made 1.2 Brief Description of Canons and Procedures explicit. Below we shall explicate how this has been done for grounded theory research. As a preface to this section, we offer a cautionary note. When writing a detailed account about grounded theory procedures and canons, one runs 1.1 Overview the danger of being read as unduly formalistic, and Grounded theory derives its theoretical underpin perhaps somewhat sectarian. Yet these procedures nings from Pragmatism (Dewey 1925; Mead 1934) and canons must be taken seriously, otherwise a and Symbolic Interactionism (Park and Burgess researcher ends up - as have a number of them - 1921; Hughes 1971; Blumer 1969). Though one claiming to have used a grounded theory approach, need not subscribe to these philosophical and so when indeed they have used only some of its ciological orientations to use this method, it is procedures or have used them incorrectly. Each important to realize that two important principles researcher must tread a fine line between satisfying drawn from these traditions are built into it. The the suggested criteria and allowing procedural fle first principle pertains to change. Since phenome xibility in the face of inevitable contingencies en na are not conceived of as static but as continually countered during the life of an actual research changing in response to prevailing conditions, an project. However, to the extent that circumstances important component of the method is to build permit, it is the following of these procedures that change, through process, into the method. The gives a project rigor. second and related principle pertains to a clear 1. Data collection and analysis are interrelated stand on the issue of “determinism”. Strict deter processes. In grounded theory, the analysis begins minism is rejected, as is nondeterminism. Rather, as soon as the first bit of data is collected. In actors are seen as having, though not always utiliz contrast, it is not uncommon for some qualitative ing, the means of controlling their destinies by researchers to collect much of their data prior to their responses to conditions. They are able to beginning systematic analysis. While this may work make choices according to perceived options. Both well with other modes of qualitative research, it Pragmatism and Symbolic Interactionism share violates the basic foundations of this method. this stance. Thus, grounded theory seeks not only Here, analysis is necessary at the outset of a study to uncover relevant conditions but also to deter because it directs the next interviews and observa mine how the actors under investigation actively tions. This is not equivalent to saying that there is respond to those conditions, and to the consequen no standardization of data collection. Each investi ces of their actions. It is the researcher’s responsi gator enters the field with some questions or areas bility to catch this interplay. This approach is ne for observation, or will soon generate them, and cessary whether the focus of a study is microscopic will collect data on these throughout the research in scope, say of workers’ interactions in a laborato endeavor, unless these questions prove during ry, or as macroscopic as a study of the health analysis to be irrelevant. However, in order not to industry or of the AIDS policy arena. miss anything that may be salient to the area under As in other qualitative approaches, the data for a study, the investigator must analyze those first bits grounded theory can come from various sources. of data for cues, and incorporate all seemingly The data collection procedures involve interviews relevant issues into the next set of interviews and and observations, in addition to other usual observations. sources including: government documents, video Systemically and sequentially carrying out the pro tapes, newspapers, letters, and books - anything cedures of data collection and analysis expands the that might shed light on the area of questions research process to capture all potentially relevant under study. Each of these can be coded in the aspects as soon as they are perceived. This process same way as interviews or observations