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Combining Theory-Testing and Theory Building Analyses of Case Study Data – An Option for a Nordic Ph.D. Project?

Maria Alaranta, Combining Theory-Testing and Theory Building Analyses of Case Study Data – An Option for a Nordic Ph.D. Project? . In: Proceedings of the 28th Information Systems Research Seminar in Scandinavia (IRIS28), Kristiansand, Norway, August 6.-9., 2005.

Abstract:

Case studies became an accepted method in the IS field in 1980’s. Since these times, the positivist paradigm has dominated not only the IS field in general but also the IS case studies. In this paper, we discuss the feasibility of combining theory-testing and theory-building analyses of qualitative case study data; particularly in the context of a Nordic Ph.D. project. This paper covers two different combinations: the one where both analyses are carried out within the positivist paradigm and the one where the positivist and interpretative paradigm are combined. Benefits of these approaches include: obtaining better results by increasing validity by triangulation (within the positivist paradigm) or getting a richer picture of the phenomenon in question (when using the two paradigms), contribute to dealing effectively with the full richness of the real world and exploring which would be the “best” method to solve the research problem in question; catalyzing discovering fresh or paradoxical factors; widening the scope of the study and embracing wider aspects of the situation; as well as fostering the Ph.D. candidate’s learning and providing a wider toolkit for the future academic work. Furthermore, the philosophical, cultural, psychological, and practical problems stemming from this setting are discussed.

BibTeX entry:

@INPROCEEDINGS{inpAlaranta05b,
  title = {Combining Theory-Testing and Theory Building Analyses of Case Study Data – An Option for a Nordic Ph.D. Project? },
  booktitle = {Proceedings of the 28th Information Systems Research Seminar in Scandinavia (IRIS28), Kristiansand, Norway, August 6.-9.},
  author = {Alaranta, Maria},
  year = {2005},
}

Belongs to TUCS Research Unit(s): Network Economics Institute

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