Application of Grounded Theory in Recognition of Indigenous Knowledge

As a combination of belongings, skills, values, beliefs, tools and methods of a social or national group, Indigenous knowledge has inherited through the experiences and confirmation of constituent generations in different fields of life. Its accurate application can lead to endogenous development that in fact is in correspondence with people’s culture and environment of that society. Present article identifies one of the most important new methodological approaches in social investigations arena and its status in recognition of indigenous knowledge and values. Grounded theory has the ability to create new theories in correspondence with that society by recognition of present reality instead of proving existed theories.
Methodologically the basis of grounded theory is production and construction of theory from present data in society. In this method inductive approach is used and researcher starts his work with observation and interviews and then brings up structures and contents or general topics. After this step, by the help of interpretive methods, theories are created and presented without previous presumptions. Hence, referring the essence of this theory, it can be used as a method with devices for recognition of values and skills and generally our society’s indigenous knowledge