THE NATURE OF THEORY IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS.

@article{2194032320060901, abstract = {The aim of this research essay is to examine the structural nature of theory in Information Systems. Despite the importance of theory, questions relating to its form and structure are neglected in comparison with questions relating to epistemology. The essay addresses issues of causality, explanation, prediction, and generalization that underlie an understanding of theory. A taxonomy is proposed that classifies information systems theories with respect to the manner in which four central goals are addressed: analysis, explanation, prediction, and prescription. Five interrelated types of theory are distinguished: (1) theory for analyzing, (2) theory for explaining, (3) theory for predicting, (4) theory for explaining and predicting, and (5) theory for design and action. Examples illustrate the nature of each theory type. The applicability of the taxonomy is demonstrated by classifying a sample of journal articles. The paper contributes by showing that multiple views of theory exist and}, author = {Gregor, Shirley }, citeulike-article-id = {2207682}, journal = {MIS Quarterly}, keywords = {forecasting, is, misq, practice, taxonomies, theory}, number = {3}, posted-at = {2008-01-08 13:23:30}, priority = {0}, title = {THE NATURE OF THEORY IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS.}, url = {http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true\&db=a2h\&AN=21940323\&site=ehost-live\&scope=site}, volume = {30}, year = {20060901} }

TY - JOUR ID - 2194032320060901 L3 - citeulike-article-id:2207682 N2 - The aim of this research essay is to examine the structural nature of theory in Information Systems. Despite the importance of theory, questions relating to its form and structure are neglected in comparison with questions relating to epistemology. The essay addresses issues of causality, explanation, prediction, and generalization that underlie an understanding of theory. A taxonomy is proposed that classifies information systems theories with respect to the manner in which four central goals are addressed: analysis, explanation, prediction, and prescription. Five interrelated types of theory are distinguished: (1) theory for analyzing, (2) theory for explaining, (3) theory for predicting, (4) theory for explaining and predicting, and (5) theory for design and action. Examples illustrate the nature of each theory type. The applicability of the taxonomy is demonstrated by classifying a sample of journal articles. The paper contributes by showing that multiple views of theory exist and IS - 3 JF - MIS Quarterly TI - THE NATURE OF THEORY IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS. VL - 30 KW - forecasting KW - is KW - misq KW - practice KW - taxonomies KW - theory AU - Gregor, Shirley PY - 20060901/// UR - http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a2h&AN=21940323&site=ehost-live&scope=site ER -