Moving grounded theory into the 21st Century: part 1 - an evolutionary tale

Grounded theory methodology offers a practical approach to researching problems of significance to nursing practice. In the years since its introduction, grounded theory has transformed social science research and in the process has undergone its own evolution. The manifestations of this evolution have been the subject of much contention and debate, that could result in some confusion for the novice researcher and continued disputation over what constitutes grounded theory research. In a series of two articles, insights are offered into these evolutionary processes, untangling the complexities, making grounded theory user-friendly rather than convoluted. In part one, the authors present a discussion of the theoretical and philosophical foundations of grounded theory in the context of the evolutionary forces that have shaped its development. Glaserian, Straussian and Contructivist traditions are discussed and debated. In part two of this series, the methodological principles and procedures that characterise grounded theory are examined within each of these evolutionary perspectives