Grounded Theory: analysis of Brazilian scientific production between 2008-2012

Abstract

This article aims to present the conceptual aspects of the Grounded Theory and identify the delineation of thesis and dissertations in Brazil between 2008 and 2012, in relation to the three main lines or theoretical schools assumed by the method. We tried to identify the classical approach, the full conceptual description approach, and the constructivist approach, as well as areas or themes addressed within the context of Brazilian scientific production. The methodological procedures included the search, recovery and analysis of documents from the Brazilian Digital Library of Thesis and Dissertations (BDTD). A total of 278 documents were found in this period. Of those recovered in the search system, we analyzed 182 thesis and dissertations. The results indicated emphasis on the use of Grounded Theory in the fields of nursing, administration and psychology.We also noted that the most frequently mentioned authors are Strauss and Corbin, followed by Charmaz. In other words, there is an emphasis on full conceptual description and on the constructivist approach. The adoption of Grounded Theory in the production of dissertations and thesis in the Brazilian context makes it relevant to reflect on the need to promote forms of audience and discussion about the theory’s practice in different contexts, so that it can achieve what is proposed in the construction of new knowledge via research.