Theory Building in Qualitative Research

Theory Building in Qualitative Research: Reconsidering the Problem of Induction

Pedro F. Bendassolli

2013

The paper dwells on the difficulties involved in the process of justifying experience-based scientific conclusions. More specifically, inductive reasoning assumes a leap from singular observational statements to general theoretical statements. It calls into question the role of empirical evidence in the theory-building process. In the philosophy of science, the validity of inductive reasoning has been severely questioned since at least the writings of David HUME. Induction has been lauded as one of the main pillars of qualitative research methods. This article proposes reviving discussion on the problem of induction in qualitative research. There is a tension between empirical observation and scientific explanation and in that context, the paper discusses the role of theory in qualitative research.



Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The Problem of Induction

3. Relationship Between Theory and Empirical Data

4. Induction and Theory in Qualitative Research

4.1 The generic analytic cycle

4.2 Situating the problem of induction in the current debate: Some unsolved questions

5. Suggestions for Reconsidering the Problem of Induction in Qualitative Research

6. Final Considerations

6.1 General overview and limitations

6.2 Contributions to scholarship: Revisiting theory building in qualitative research


http://www.qualitative-research.net/index.php/fqs/article/view/1851/3497