Journal ArticleDOI
Theory Construction in Qualitative Research From Grounded Theory to Abductive Analysis
Stefan Timmermans,Iddo Tavory +1 more
TLDR
The authors argue that abduction, rather than induction, should be the guiding principle of empirically based theory construction, which is based on the theory of inference, meaning, and action of pragmatist philosopher Charles S. Peirce.Abstract:
A critical pathway for conceptual innovation in the social is the construction of theoretical ideas based on empirical data. Grounded theory has become a leading approach promising the construction of novel theories. Yet grounded theory–based theoretical innovation has been scarce in part because of its commitment to let theories emerge inductively rather than imposing analytic frameworks a priori. We note, along with a long philosophical tradition, that induction does not logically lead to novel theoretical insights. Drawing from the theory of inference, meaning, and action of pragmatist philosopher Charles S. Peirce, we argue that abduction, rather than induction, should be the guiding principle of empirically based theory construction. Abduction refers to a creative inferential process aimed at producing new hypotheses and theories based on surprising research evidence. We propose that abductive analysis arises from actors’ social and intellectual positions but can be further aided by careful methodolo...read more
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
Anthropology as Cultural Critique: An Experimental Moment in the Human Sciences by George E. Marcus; Michael M. J. Fischer
Journal ArticleDOI
Flexible Coding of In-depth Interviews: A Twenty-first-century Approach:
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a formalization of the notion of grounded theory for coding procedures emanating from grounded theory, which were limited by technologies of the 1960s: colored pens, scissors, and index cards.
Journal ArticleDOI
Methodological Pluralism and the Possibilities and Limits of Interviewing
Michèle Lamont,Ann Swidler +1 more
TL;DR: The authors argue that concern over whether attitudes correspond to behavior is an overly narrow and misguided question and instead consider what interviewing and other data gathering techniques are best suited for, and point out new methodological challenges, particularly concerning the incorporation of historical and institutional dimensions into interview-based studies.
Book ChapterDOI
Process Tracing Methods
TL;DR: Process tracing as mentioned in this paper is a method that aims to trace causal mechanisms as they play out in real-world cases using in-depth case studies, focusing on understanding the processes whereby causes contribute to produce outcomes, opening up what is going on in the causal arrow in between.
Journal ArticleDOI
What is Qualitative in Qualitative Research
TL;DR: This article systematically search, identify and analyze a sample of 89 sources using or attempting to define the term “qualitative,” and formulates and illustrates a definition that tries to capture its core elements.
References
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Book
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
TL;DR: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions as discussed by the authors is a seminal work in the history of science and philosophy of science, and it has been widely cited as a major source of inspiration for the present generation of scientists.
Book
The Discovery of Grounded Theory
TL;DR: In this paper, the discovery of grounded theory is discussed and grounded theory can be found in the form of a grounded theory discovery problem, where the root cause of the problem is identified.
Journal ArticleDOI
Basics of Qualitative Research
Book
Being and Time
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present an interpretation of Dasein in terms of temporality, and the Explication of Time as the Transcendental Horizon for the Question of Being.