Abstract

Building and validating theory in a single study is an important aspect in Information Systems (IS) research. This article discusses how theory can be developed and validated using a sequential explanatory mixed methods case study research. It is based on a critical literature review on mixed methods and case study research. Both mixed methods and case study research embraces multiple paradigms which help to bridge multiple methods and sources of evidence in a single study. The findings from the literature review suggest that sequential explanatory mixed methods case study research may be useful in developing and validating theory in a single study. The article argues that sequential mixed methods case study research enables simultaneously exploring and confirming research questions thereby accomplishing two goals (generating and verifying theory) in the same study. This is very important in research studies which cannot be conducted conclusively using one method to test and explore in depth. This article therefore contributes to our understanding of the complementarity of mixed methods and case study research in developing and validating theory.

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