Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide through Qualitative Analysis (Introducing Qualitative Methods series) [Paperback]

Kathy Charmaz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0761973532 | ISBN-13: 978-0761973539 | Edition: 1

Kathy Charmaz is one of the world's leading theorists and exponents of grounded theory. In this important and essential new textbook, she introduces the reader to the craft of using grounded theory in social research, and provides a clear, step-by-step guide for those new to the field. Using worked examples throughout, this book also maps out an alternative vision of grounded theory put forward by its founding thinkers, Glaser and Strauss. To Charmaz, grounded theory must move on from its positivist origins and must incorporate many of the methods and questions posed by constructivists over the past twenty years to become a more nuanced and reflexive practice.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“I love this book. It is the second time I have used it for this course. The doctoral students also find it very useful understanding the grounded theory method.”
—Mary Ann Jezewski, University at Buffalo, SUNY

(Mary Ann Jezewski )

"Constructing Grounded Theory is an outstanding handbook for students and seasoned researchers alike who are using or seeking to understand better the application of qualitative methods of data analysis. This deceptively slim volume is extraordinarily dense and packed with down-to-earth advice, living up to its sub-title as 'a practical guide.'" (Marie L. Radford Science Direct 20080807)

"The excellent articles are well written and accessible."
This handbook is a wonderful resource for scholars, researchers, students, and professionals about a method and theory that has an exceptional potential to 'ignite the mind.'"     (G.K. Hearn Choice 20080814)

About the Author

Kathy Charmaz is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Faculty Writing Program at Sonoma State University in which she helps faculty with their research and scholarly writing.  She has written, co-authored, or co-edited eight books including Developing Grounded Theory: The Second Generation, the Handbook of Grounded Theory and Health, Illness, and Healing: Society, Social Context and Self as well as well as two award-winning books, Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide Through Qualitative Analysis, and Good Days, Bad Days: The Self in Chronic Illness and Time.  Dr. Charmaz writes numerous chapters and articles on qualitative research methods and also publishes in the areas of social psychology and writing for publication.   Currently, she works with four psychologists on an innovative collaborative project that demonstrates how researchers representing five different qualitative approaches analyze the same data.

Dr. Charmaz is the president of the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction and has served as Chair of the Medical Sociology Section of the American Sociological Association, President of the Pacific Sociological Association, and Editor of Symbolic Interaction.  She has received the Feminist Mentors Award and George Herbert Mead Award for lifetime achievement from the Society for the Study of Symbolic Interaction.   For the past decade, Dr. Charmaz has been a frequent keynote speaker and seminar presenter in the broad fields of health and illness and qualitative methods.  In addition, she regularly teaches professional development classes and workshops for graduate students and faculty on grounded theory methods and academic writing at ResearchTalk in Long Island, New York.  As an undergraduate sociology teacher, Dr. Charmaz has an enduring interest in helping SSU students improve their writing and analytic skills and prepare for graduate school.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: SAGE Publications Ltd; 1 edition (January 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761973532
• ISBN-13: 978-0761973539
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 0.5 x 9.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,631 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #9 in Books > Science & Math > Experiments, Instruments & Measurement > Methodology & Statistics
  • #9 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Methodology
  • #20 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Research

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great new book on grounded theory July 24, 2006

By C. Hahn

Format:Paperback

As a qualitative researcher using grounded theory methods in the late stages of my dissertation process the last thing I thought I needed was yet another qualitative/grounded theory textbook. Because of the recommendation of a friend and because I am a bit of research methods nut I bought "Constructing Grounded Theory" - and I am glad that I did. I actually read the whole book.

Charmaz provides the researcher with a vivid picture of grounded theory. Throughout the book she provides easy-to-read explanations and examples for each step of the grounded theory journey. Best of all, she treats you like a thinking scholar. You are not forced into a method because of dogmatic language, instead you are tantalized to think for yourself and develop solutions to your own research problems.

This is an important book to read if you are a grounded theory researcher.

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Contribution to Grounded Theory October 5, 2006

By C. Urquhart

Format:Paperback

As someone who writes about grounded theory and supervises PhD students using grounded theory, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book to them and anyone else using grounded theory. It is infinitely superior to the Strauss and Corbin book which in my opinion is too restrictive and makes it difficult for graduate students to apply grounded theory. Charmaz also very cleverly avoids the schism that rose between Glaser and Strauss on the application of the method by giving the student several alternative steps. A scholarly book which is also very accessible. As someone using grounded theory, I am relieved that Kathy Charmaz wrote this book - she really does do a good job in reformulating it for 21st century researchers.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A 'how to guide' and much more! May 17, 2007

By learner

Format:Paperback

As the title suggests, Kathy Charmaz's 'Constructing Grounded Theory' is a practical and thoughtful guide to the intricacies of undertaking qualitative research. Each chapter focuses on a specific aspect with numerous 'hints' and examples from her own work. Charmaz is an excellent teacher, unafraid to challenge the work of Glaser & Strauss with humility and commonsense. Highly recommeded to all aspiring qualitative researchers.