inf5220 - 27 October 2005 1

Introduction to: Interpretive research

grounded theorycase study

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 2

Interpretive research

Assumption: access to reality (given or socially constructed) is only through social constructions such as language, consciousness and shared meanings

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 3

Interpretive research

Interpretive studies generally attempt to understand phenomena through the meanings that people assign to them

Interpretive research does not predefine dependent and independent variables, but focuses on the full complexity of human sense making as the situation emerges

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 4

Interpretive research in IS

interpretive methods of research in IS are "aimed at producing an understanding of the context of the information system, and the process whereby the information system influences and is influenced by the context" (Walsham)

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 5

Interpetive research: use of theory

Initial guide to design and data collection Initial theoretical framework Sensibility to data Danger of not-seeing

Part of an iterative process of data collection and analysis Being open to field data Modify initial assumptions and theories

A final product of the research Concepts Conceptual framework

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 6

Interpretive research: empirical work

Access to other people’s interpretations Own role as researcher

Outside observer – not direct involvement Involved researcher (action r, participant obs.)

Evidence: interview as primary data source Styles of interview Reporting media

Reporting fieldwork Credibility: document your process of data collection Importance of details (research site, motivation for

choices, num of people, data sources, ... and theory-data iterations)

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 7

Types of generalizations from interpretive case study (Walsham)Development of conceptsGeneration of theoryDrawing of specific implicationsContribution of reach insight

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 8

Principles for conducting and evaluating interpretive research Klein and Myers 1999, MISQ The fundamental principle of the hermeneutic

circle. The principle of contextualization. The principle of interaction between the

researchers and the subjects. The principle of abstraction and generalization. The principle of dialogical reasoning. The principle of multiple interpretations. The principle of suspicion.

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 9

Grounded Theory

Barney Glaser and Anselm Strauss (1967) They criticized the "overemphasis in current sociology on

the verification of theory, and a resultant de-emphasis on the prior step of discovering what concepts and hypotheses are relevant for the area that one wishes to research“

"(...) we are also trying, through this book, to strengthen the mandate for generating theory, to help provide a defense against doctrinaire approaches to verification (...). It should also help students to defend themselves against verifiers who would teach them to deny the validity of their own scientific intelligence"

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 10

Grounded Theory as Theory

It is inductively derived from the study of the phenomenon it represents.

It is discovered, developed, and provisionally verified through systematic data collection and anlysis of data pertaining to that phenomenon.

Data collection, analysis and theory stand in reciprocal relationship with each other.

One does not begin with a theory, then prove it. One begins with an area of study and what is

relevant to that area is allowed to emerge.

Strauss and Corbin (1990) Basic of Qualitative Research, Sage.

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 11

Grounded Theory as a methodology

Emphasis on empirical material as basis for conceptualization.

Gathering reach empirical material from a variety of sources.

Open data collection Recording data systematically the emphasis is on exploring the nuances of the

data by constantly asking, 'of what is this an example?'

Develop dense and grouded concepts and categories

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 12

Defining Grounded Theory

”grounded theory methods are a set of flexible analytic guidelines that enable researchers to focus their data collection and to build inductive middle-range theories through successive levels of data anlysis and conceptual development”

Charmaz, K. (2005) ”Grounded Theory in the 21st Century” in The Sage Handbook of Qualitative Research

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 13

Grounded Theory: data analysis

Open coding concepts, categories, properties, code notes Memo writing

Axial coding Focus on relations Connections between categories Causal conditions, intervening conditions...

Selective coding

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 14

Grounded Theory

Conflicting principles:Emergence

Of categories from dataTheoretical sensitivity

Researchers’ ability to see relevant data To identify theoretical relevant phenomena

Strauss/Glaser discussion

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 15

Case StudyYin, R. (1994) Case Study Research, Sage

A method of research/a research strategy (not linked to part. method of data collection)

Advantages/disadvantages depending on: Type of research question Control over behavioural events Focus on contemporary as opposed to historical

phenomena Preferred when:

”How” and ”why” questions Little control over events Focus on contemporary phenomena within real-life

context

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 16

Defining Case study

Distinguishing characteristics:It attempts to examine a contemporary

phenomenon in its real-life context;Expecially when the boundaries between

phenomenon and context are not clearly evident;

Different from: experiment and historical analysis.

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 17

Exploratory case study To develop pertinent hypothesis and propositions for

futher inquiry ”what are the ways of making schools effective?”

Descriptive case study To describe the incidence or prevalence of a

phenomenon Es. Political attitudes

Explanatory case study To trace operational links over time

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 18

Case study design

five components of research design:1. A study's questions 2. Its propositions, if any 3. Its unit(s) of analysis 4. The logic linking the data to the

propositions 5. The criteria for interpreting the findings

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 19

Case study: required skills for data collection

Ask good question Be a good listner Be adaptive and flexible (new = opportunity; not

always as planned) Have a firm grasp on the issue (relevant events

and information) Not mechanical recording Recognize deviations, contradictions

Be unbiased by preconceived notions Be open to contrary findings

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 20

Sources of evidence

DocumentationArchivial recordsInterviewsDirect observationsParticipant-observationPhysical artefacts (technological devices,

tools or instruments, a work of art)

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 21

Three Principles of data collection

Principle 1:Use multiple sources of evidenceSingle source: problems of accuracy and

trustworthinessTriangulation: rationale for using multiple

sources of evidenceConstruct validityMore expensive/time consuming/need

different skills

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 22

Three Principles of data collection

Principle 2: Create a case study databaseNeed to separate between collected

evidence and final reportIncreases reliabilityContents: notes, documents, quantitative

data, narrativesOther people should be able to access

data

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 23

Three Principles of data collection

Principle 3: Maintain a chain of evidence To allow an external observer to follow the

derivation to any evidence Trace steps

From conclusions to research questions From research questions to conclusions

Final report ↔ database ↔ evidence and circumstances ↔ procedures and questions in protocol ↔ initial research questions

inf5220 - 27 October 2005 24

Key characteristics of case studies (Benbasat et al.(1987) The Case Research Strategy in Studies of Information Systems, MIS Quarterly)

1. Phenomenon is examined in a natural setting2. Data are collected by multiple means3. One or few entities (person, group or organization) are examined4. The complexity of the unit is studied intensively5. The investigator should have a receptive attitude towards

exploration6. No experimental controls or manipulation are involved7. The investigator may not specify the set of dependent and

independent variables in advance8. The results derived depend heavily on the integrative powers of

the investigator9. Changes in site selection and data collection methods could take

place as the investigator develops new hypotheses10. Useful to study ”how” and ”why” questions11. The focus is on contemporary events