Three approaches as pillars for interpretive Information Systems research: development research, action research and grounded theory
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Authors
De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth)
Issue Date
2005
Type
Article
Language
en
Keywords
Research philosophy , Research methodology , Metaresearch , Models , Reflection , Human-computer interaction , IS research
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper addresses practical approaches and models, based on the paradigm of the ‘interpretivist school’, to operationalise research in information systems. The study overviews research paradigms and some current issues in IS research, then describes, discusses and illustrates three approaches, namely, development research, action research, and grounded theory, advocating them as proposed pillars for interpretive IS research. With the present emphasis on user-centricity and empowerment of previously technologically-disenfranchised domains, inquiry processes emanating from the social sciences and humanities are relevant to IS, particularly with relation to interactive systems to bridge the digital divide and for the design and development of emerging technology. Each of the approaches suggested has an underlying theoretical framework and reflective methods, and can serve as a model to guide the research process, offering a unifying thread, cohesion and internal consistency to a research study
Description
Citation
SAICSIT '05 Proceedings of the 2005 annual research conference of the South African institute of computer scientists and information technologists on IT research in developing countries Pages 142 - 151