S. Gregor. Mgmt. Information Science Quarterly, 30 (3):
611--642(September 2006)
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:
(i) theory for analysing; (ii) theory for explaining, (iii) theory
for predicting; (iv) theory for explaining and predicting; and (v)
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 by exposing the assumptions
underlying different viewpoints. In addition, it is suggested that
the type of theory under development can influence the choice of
an epistemological approach. Support is given for the legitimacy
and value of each theory type. The building of integrated bodies
of theory that encompass all theory types is advocated.
%0 Journal Article
%1 Gregor:2006:misq
%A Gregor, Shirley
%D 2006
%J Mgmt. Information Science Quarterly
%K imported thesis
%N 3
%P 611--642
%T The Nature of Theory in Information Systems
%U http://www.jstor.org/stable/25148742
%V 30
%X 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:
(i) theory for analysing; (ii) theory for explaining, (iii) theory
for predicting; (iv) theory for explaining and predicting; and (v)
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 by exposing the assumptions
underlying different viewpoints. In addition, it is suggested that
the type of theory under development can influence the choice of
an epistemological approach. Support is given for the legitimacy
and value of each theory type. The building of integrated bodies
of theory that encompass all theory types is advocated.
@article{Gregor:2006:misq,
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:
(i) theory for analysing; (ii) theory for explaining, (iii) theory
for predicting; (iv) theory for explaining and predicting; and (v)
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 by exposing the assumptions
underlying different viewpoints. In addition, it is suggested that
the type of theory under development can influence the choice of
an epistemological approach. Support is given for the legitimacy
and value of each theory type. The building of integrated bodies
of theory that encompass all theory types is advocated.},
added-at = {2017-03-16T11:50:55.000+0100},
author = {Gregor, Shirley},
biburl = {https://www.bibsonomy.org/bibtex/2a31a186c4fa83f89c1ef4bf198afa7f2/krevelen},
interhash = {d20921dd550334448a9974fa0f2ec0af},
intrahash = {a31a186c4fa83f89c1ef4bf198afa7f2},
journal = {Mgmt. Information Science Quarterly},
keywords = {imported thesis},
month = {Sept.},
number = 3,
owner = {Rick},
pages = {611--642},
timestamp = {2017-03-16T11:54:14.000+0100},
title = {The Nature of Theory in Information Systems},
url = {http://www.jstor.org/stable/25148742},
volume = 30,
year = 2006
}