Meta-Research in Information Systems

Following the successful Meta-Research in Information Systems track at AMCIS 2018 and 2019, in terms of submissions and participant feedback, we propose to continue the track as a primary outlet for publication of innovative articles in this area. Meta-research (research on research) is a reflection among Information Systems (IS) scholars on issues surrounding the production of IS research. As such, it is a valuable venue for scholarly discussion within IS. It includes topics like the structure and development of the field, the core and boundaries of the field, field legitimacy, scholar/department/journal/country ranking methods, discussions of research culture and practices, methods for evaluating scholarship, literature reviews, IS methods guideline reviews, as well as novel methods, theories, and debate. The overall goal of the track is to showcase unique leading edge empirical, theoretical commentary that comprises what we call meta-research. A proper venue for reflexive work has been lacking within the structure of usual tracks at AMCIS. This kind of overview allows the discipline to assess and choose core premises. It is especially important because of the diversity of topic domains that fit into the overall IS scope, which is essentially multidisciplinary in terms of source foundations. The track provides a coherent framing for papers that might be rejected in other tracks for lack of fit, and a place for theoretically diverse and reflexive scholars to share perspectives. It also looks at the discipline as a scholarly culture. The Meta-Research in Information Systems track was first offered in 2018, receiving 15 submissions. In 2019, this grew to 28 submissions. If the track continues to grow in success, we anticipate the formation of a stable research stream, possible workshops, and potentially a new SIG. For these reasons, we look forward to continuing this exciting exploration in 2020.