Theory unmasked: The uses and guises of theory in qualitative research

Abstract

The role of theory in qualitative research is variable and not always well understood. In this article, the uses and varied manifestations of theory at the substantive and paradigmatic levels of research, and as they pertain to different qualitative approaches, are described. Specific consideration is given to the varied sources, centrality, temporal placement, and functions of theory in qualitative research. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.