Paper Number
1995
Paper Type
Complete Research Paper
Abstract
Making a theoretical contribution (TC) is a common requirement for the top Information Systems (IS) journals. We argue that the role of TC is misunderstood in IS. In IS, TC is a requirement for paper acceptance. However, TC should be required at the level of research programs. In fact, research programs commonly require studies where the contribution is empirical, and TC comes later. Empirical contributions include (i) obtaining stronger empirical tests, (ii) finding anomalies, (iii) examining a long-term effect or result, and (iv) comparing their effect with rival theories. To repair the situation, we first argue for requiring TC at the level of research programs. We then propose that IS community should recognize studies (e.g., i–iv) in which the nature of contribution is empirical, and TC comes later. We further suggest that the problems related HARKing (Hypothesizing After Results are Known) is minimized, not by requiring TC, but subjecting the empirical findings to stronger causal tests.
Recommended Citation
Siponen, Mikko; Jiang, Hemin; and Klaavuniemi, Tuula, "When Empirical Contributions Are More Important than Theoretical Contributions" (2024). ECIS 2024 Proceedings. 19.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/ecis2024/track02_general/track02_general/19
When Empirical Contributions Are More Important than Theoretical Contributions
Making a theoretical contribution (TC) is a common requirement for the top Information Systems (IS) journals. We argue that the role of TC is misunderstood in IS. In IS, TC is a requirement for paper acceptance. However, TC should be required at the level of research programs. In fact, research programs commonly require studies where the contribution is empirical, and TC comes later. Empirical contributions include (i) obtaining stronger empirical tests, (ii) finding anomalies, (iii) examining a long-term effect or result, and (iv) comparing their effect with rival theories. To repair the situation, we first argue for requiring TC at the level of research programs. We then propose that IS community should recognize studies (e.g., i–iv) in which the nature of contribution is empirical, and TC comes later. We further suggest that the problems related HARKing (Hypothesizing After Results are Known) is minimized, not by requiring TC, but subjecting the empirical findings to stronger causal tests.
When commenting on articles, please be friendly, welcoming, respectful and abide by the AIS eLibrary Discussion Thread Code of Conduct posted here.