The Nature of Theory in
Information Systems
by Shirley Gregor
The Australian National University
Presented by Chichang Jou
Tamkang University
Outline
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Why is this topic important
Different perspectives on theory
Classifying theory in information systems
Five types of theory in information systems
Interrelationships among theory types
Questions and discussions
Conclusions
2
Why is this topic important
• Epistemology (認識論、知識論)
– http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology
– http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%9F%A5%E8%AF
%86%E8%AE%BA
3
Questions about the bodies of knowledge or theories
encompassed in a theory:
4
5
Perspectives on theory
• Theories as abstract entities that aim to
describe, explain and enhance understanding
of the world and, in some cases, to provide
predictions of what will happen in the future
and to give a basis for intervention and action
• Three perspectives
– Generalization
– Causality
– Explanation and Prediction
6
Generalization
Theories can be classified by their level of generalization.
Not used in this paper as a primary characteristic for distinguishing theory types
7
Causality - 1
8
Causality - 2
9
Explanation and Prediction -1
10
Explanation and Prediction - 2
In this paper, distinction between the goals of explanation and prediction is central
for distinguishing theory types
11
Classifying theory in information systems
The four primary goals of theory discerned are:
12
Classifying theory in information systems
13
14
15
16
17