Applying of the criteria of Grounded Theory in document analysis: The spanish legal and normative texts relating to aliens ; La aplicación de los criterios de la Grounded Theory en el análisis documental: Los textos legales y normativos españoles en materia de extranjería

Abstract

This article aims to study the potential of applying a very standardized data collection and analysis methodology, such as the Grounded Theory, to thosedocuments or written texts that unveil the meaning (both apparent and latent) ofthe discourses contained therein. Clear examples of such material are the normsand legislation issued by the Civil Service. With the aim of analyzing this process,this article is based on the theoretical and methodological framework of the Grounded Theory. This then allows us to show how all research applying that methodology represents a cyclical and dynamic process led by six verbs indicatingaction: Assign Compare, Promote, Link, Integrate and Explain. Finally, inorder to specify this theory, the article shows, as an example, the steps taken in a research project where absolutely all the elements contained in that methodology were applied. ; El presente artículo pretende dar cuenta de la potencialidad de aplicar una metodología de recogida y análisis de datos, muy estandarizada, como es la Grounded Theory, a aquellos documentos o textos escritos que permitan desvelar el sentido (bien manifiesto, bien latente) de los discursos allí recogidos. Un claro ejemplo de este material es la normativa y legislación emanada desde la Administración Pública Española en materia de extranjería. En este sentido, el artículo se interroga por el marco teórico y metodológico en el que se enraíza la Grounded Theory, para posteriormente mostrar como toda investigación que aplique dicha metodología se erige como un proceso cíclico y dinámico, guiado por seis verbos que indican acción: Asignar, Comparar, Relacionar, Promocionar, Integrar y Explicar. Para especificar dicha teoría, se ofrece, a modo de ejemplo los pasos que se han llevado a cabo en una investigación donde se ha aplicado todos y cada uno de los elementos contenidos en dicha metodología, plasmando finalmente las conclusiones generales del estudio mencionado.This article aims to study the potential of applying a very standardized data collection and analysis methodology, such as the Grounded Theory, to thosedocuments or written texts that unveil the meaning (both apparent and latent) ofthe discourses contained therein. Clear examples of such material are the normsand legislation issued by the Civil Service. With the aim of analyzing this process,this article is based on the theoretical and methodological framework of the Grounded Theory. This then allows us to show how all research applying that methodology represents a cyclical and dynamic process led by six verbs indicatingaction: Assign Compare, Promote, Link, Integrate and Explain. Finally, inorder to specify this theory, the article shows, as an example, the steps taken in a research project where absolutely all the elements contained in that methodology were applied.