Epistemological analysis of the Grounded Theory

In this research project, I intend to make a rational reconstruction of the grounded theory, which is a methodological programme of great importance within the so-called qualitative research. The main assumption of this programme is that theories should emerge from data in a process that depends more on reality than on the conjectures of researchers. Although this conception seems contrary to the falsificationist tradition, I propose that it has parallels with some of Popper’s ideas. This analysis would allow us to anticipate some of the consequences of the expansion of the grounded theory in social research.