Since the introduction of grounded theory, the methodology
has diverged into three discernible schools of thought, or
versions: (i) classic grounded theory, which is associated
with Barney Glaser; (ii) evolved grounded theory associated
with Anselm Strauss, Juliette Corbin, and Adele Clarke; and
(iii) constructivist grounded theory, which stems from work
by Kathy Charmaz. In this article, the authors present Corbin
and Strauss’ (2008) “lost chapter” and the 16 assumptions,
introduce the reader to essential grounded theory methods,
and provide a background to the development of pragmatism
and symbolic interactionism as the epistemological and
ontological foundations of evolved grounded theory. Rather
than elaborating on specific features and differences between
the three versions of grounded theory, the authors focus on
Corbin and Strauss’ 16 assumptions of grounded theory
(2008; Table 1), analyzing them for key symbolic interactionist
themes and their links to essential grounded theory
methods. Our purpose is to highlight, particularly for novice
researchers and researchers new to grounded theory, the
links between the assumptions and the fundamental contribution
of symbolic interactionism to grounded theory methodology
and methods.