Showing papers on "Grounded theory published in 1973"

Some Thoughts on Grounded Theory

Abstract: The role of methodological considerations in sociological research is discussed. It is concluded that the argument of Glaser and Strauss in The Discovery of Grounded Theory for a relaxation of the ...

A note on phonetic ability

Abstract: effects, Glaser and Strauss (1967) propose a grounded theory approach in which hypotheses and theories are derived from patterns already perceived in the data. This approach is somewhat similar to Johnson's detectivism, but Glaser and Strauss differ in arguing that social scientists are not limited to making empirical generalizations. In his discussion of data relationships, Johnson argues that the variables used in a statistical analysis should ideally be independent of one another. However, the object of any associational statistical analysis is to detect and describe relations between variables. A cluster or factor analysis of a data set in which all variables are independent would be an exercise in futility. There are various forms of interdependence, and the objective of the analyst is to eliminate only the kinds of interdependence that have no bearing on the problem at hand. For example, if he is interested in the functional interdependence of a set of tool types, temporal effects must be controlled. Johnson criticizes the use of artifact distributions to infer specific types of descent, and suggests that the distributions may be explained in other ways. This may be true, but it must be demonstrated that there is a better explanation; merely suggesting it is not enough. Johnson's critique of Longacre's work at Carter Ranch Pueblo illustrates the danger of an uncritical use of ethnographic data to interpret patterns in archaeological contexts. Johnson argues that Hopi women transmit pottery styles to their daughters-in-law and not to their daughters. What he fails to consider is that pottery making today is directed toward quite different ends than it was in prehistoric times, a situation that may have large effects on the transmittal of styles from one generation to another. Also, Hopi girls today spend much of their earlier years in school and may not learn to make pottery until later in life than was true in the past. There are other minor problems with Johnson's critique, but there is not the time or space to deal with them all. In general, he commits the same error as many new archaeologists; he denies the viability of any but his own approach. There are many paths to knowledge and there is no sense in raising roadblocks on all but one of these. Refe ences Cited