The qualitative research paradigm, although occasionally applied, is not widely
discussed in agribusiness and agricultural economics literature. The primary goals
of this paper are (a) to present insights into qualitative research approaches and
processes by outlining grounded theory as an example of a systematic and rigorous
qualitative approach, and (b) to discuss criteria for scientific rigor applicable to
qualitative research. In addition, assessing qualitative research is demonstrated by
using a published example.
