Theorizing in Grounded Theory and creative abduction

Abstract

This article aims to contribute to the analysis of the logical arguments in Grounded Theory (GT), both in the version of Glaser (Basics of Grounded Theory analysis: emergence versus forcing, 1992) and of Strauss and Corbin (Basics of qualitative research, 1990). The article will focus both on stages of the coding process—that could be considered the core of the overall process of theorizing in GT—both on logic of GT, analysing in particular whether GT makes use of abductive thinking. The article outlines the distinction between different modes of abductive reasoning, and focuses specifically on one of them: the “creative abduction” (Eco and Sebeok, The sign of three: Dupin, Holmes, Peirce, 1983). The distinction between different forms of abductive argument appears especially useful to explore the logic of GT. By introducing this distinction, the article discuss how theorizing in GT makes use—both in Glaser and in Strauss and Corbin—of the same type of abductive reasoning: the creative abduction. According to this analysis, the differences between the two versions of GT turn out to be much less severe.