Grounded theory methods and qualitative family research by LaRossa (2005) is particularly significant in its use of previous literature because the article attempts to critique and advocate the use of a specific type of theory in family research. Grounded theory is a very common methodology used in social science research and also somewhat controversial: "given the many books and articles devoted to outlining the procedures, one might presume that a basic grasp of GTM is within easy reach. Such is not the case, however" (LaRossa 2005: 838). LaRossa begins with a brief historical overview, noting how the original text outlining the principles of grounded theory, The Discovery of Grounded Theory, by Glaser and Strauss (1967) was specifically designed to close the gap between theory and anecdotal evidence in qualitative methodology (LaRossa 2005: 839). However, the author notes that even these authors began to diverge later in their careers on what precisely was meant...
Of open coding, for example, they note that "the concept-indicator model is predicated on the constant comparison of indicators, that is, on regularly identifying similarities and variations in texts" (LaRossa 2005: 841). In discussing axial quoting, LaRossa quotes more heavily from Strauss' later work (1987) alone, noting it "consists of "intense analysis done around one category" (LaRossa 2005: 846). With selective coding there is profound disagreement between Glaser and Straus: "although there is unanimity that selective coding entails the…
