Models for Interpretive Information Systems Research, Part 1: IS Research, Action Research, Grounded Theory − A Meta-Study and Examples

Abstract

Interpretive research designs are increasingly being applied in Information Systems (IS). This chapter is a meta-research study that briefly explains the concepts of positivism, interpretivism, and qualitative and quantitative research, before overviewing the advent of interpretive IS research. The chapter then presents two interpretive models that can serve as research designs for postgraduate studies and ad-hoc research. Action research, which originated in the social sciences, involves longitudinal studies, in which the researcher participatively investigates products or interventions that address real-world problems over several cycles, in a reflective and responsive way. Grounded theory can serve as a research method, as well as a full research design, since it can be integrated into other models as an analysis approach. Grounded theory is applied to generate themes, patterns, and theories from continuous collection, coding, and analysis of contextual data. The patterns and grounded theories emerge inductively, and are expanded and refined as further data is gathered