ABSTRACT
Grounded theory is most commonly thought of as a method of qualitative data analysis and is therefore distinguished from more traditional quantitative methods which, as Berg (1989) points out, are often given more respect due probably to the exalted view of science held by the educated public and its tendency to regard science as related to numbers and implying precision. Qualitative researchers often appear, therefore, to be suffering from an inferiority complex as they feel it necessary to defend their enterprise, often by attacking the perceived alternative of quantitative research, referring, for example to Kaplan’s famous statement ‘if you can measure it, that ain’t it!’ (cited in Berg, 1989; p. 2).
