Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory

Abstract

An updated and revised edition of Corbin and Strauss’ popular handbook on grounded theory, Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory (3rd edition), remains a classic in qualitative research. This third edition, one of the most readable and practical explorations of grounded theory available, is a must-read for any graduate student or researcher interested in using grounded theory for qualitative research. Corbin and Strauss have laid out their volume in a manner that easily walks any beginning (or experienced) researcher through the grounded theory approach to data collection, analysis, and reflection. The combination of both writing about the process and demonstrating it with actual research study examples works very well for reinforcing how to “make sense out of masses of qualitative data” using grounded theory (pp. ix-x). A classic, it should remain on the shelves of researchers for years to come. What Corbin and Strauss’ revised edition is not, however, is a guide to the basics of all qualitative research. It is important to realize when reading this book that there are both subtle and explicit differences between various qualitative research methods. The strength of this book is that it stays focused on exploring a grounded theory approach to qualitative research and does not try to incorporate other qualitative methodologies into the text. Contrary to its title, however, the Basics of Qualitative Research does not delve deeply into other commonly used qualitative methodologies. The author(s) acknowledge this issue when they state: I am not an expert in other methods . . . each method has its own theoretical foundation, purpose and procedures for collecting and analyzing data. Quality quantitative research can be done using all of the different methods as long as the user is true to the method. (p. 326)