The methodology of Grounded Theory is increasingly being used in research in information systems. However, some researchers consider this method as having non-rigorous data points and therefore unacceptable for scientific research and the use of empirical data. The purpose of the article by George Allan is to challenge these views and to demonstrate to the reader that the Grounded Theory is a rigorous research method. For this the author presents the different parts of the method as applied to a research project on the professional use of COTS components in the development and maintenance of information systems.
[...] A case study was thus chosen and coupled with the Grounded Theory as the case study provided only limited information and could be biased. After three case studies followed by four technical data analysis, it appeared that the base category was the difficulty of application of COTS components and user dissatisfaction. Conclusion To conclude, it is obvious that a major weakness of the Grounded Theory is that the final product is called "Grounded Theory" when in fact it is an explanation of research results. [...]
[...] However, according to Corbin and Strauss, research using the Grounded Theory must meet a number of specific criteria. For them, the Grounded Theory is strongly influenced by interactions and pragmatism, where man is regarded as a social reality through symbolic interaction. Thus, this method of analysis can be placed mid-way between the objectivism and the subjectivism of Morgan and Smircich (1980). II. Advantages and limitations of the Grounded Theory The Grounded Theory has several advantages over other the methods of qualitative research but it still very controversial and may sometimes be inadequate to the field being researched, and may thus be risky to implement . [...]
[...] The basis of the Grounded Theory The Grounded Theory is a qualitative method that was developed by Glaser and Strauss in 1967. It can be defined as general methodology of analysis linked with data collection, which uses a systematic set of methods to generate an inductive theory about a substantive area.” This article will present the design and the epistemology of the grounded theory and not its various elements. a. Design of the Grounded Theory As discussed earlier, the Grounded Theory was developed by Glaser and Strauss in response to attacks from the mainstream intelligentsia in sociology who denounced the lack of rigor in qualitative research. [...]
[...] methodology of Grounded Theory The Grounded Theory is composed of four techniques of data analysis: open coding, constant comparison, writing memos and theoretical sampling. Open coding: Open coding refers to the analysis of data sentence by sentence in order to discover the conceptual problem or underlying incidents reported in each sentence. This coding also requires that the researcher conforms to six rules throughout the codification. Constant comparison: Once the codes are generated, they are compared to each other so that the researcher may examine the similarities and links. [...]
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