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Analytical methods for IS professionals ISYS3015. What is qualitative research?. Today IS research and IS as research Comparison of qualitative and quantitative research Conceptual frameworks, methodologies and methods Positivist and interpretive research
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Analytical methods for IS professionalsISYS3015 What is qualitative research?
Today • IS research and IS as research • Comparison of qualitative and quantitative research • Conceptual frameworks, methodologies and methods • Positivist and interpretive research • Features of qualitative research • Qualitative research and IS
The Research Process Theories Generalisations Hypotheses Observations
The practice of Information Systems Ideas (theories) about how IS would help an organisation Practice: use of ideas, and evaluation Plans: (specific ideas) Requirements, designs
QUALITATIVE Vs/& (?) QUANTITATIVE
What do we mean by “qualitative”? • Can a phenomenon have attributes which are both qualitative and quantitative? • Validity in Qualitative research
Objectivist = meaning and reality exist apart from anybody being conscious of them Constructivist = meaning derives from our interaction with the world Subjectivist = meaning is imposed on an object by the subject The philosphical stance that underlies our chosen methodology – our assumptions What do we recognise as knowledge How do we know what we know? What is “true” Conceptual Framework Methodology Methods Your plan, design, range of methods and why. • Techniques • Surveys • Interviews • observation
Some qualitative methodologies Hermeneutics – gaining understanding through analysing and interpreting texts Content analysis is a form of this Ethnography – detailed description rather than explanation, study of whole cultures as systems from the informants point of view Grounded theory – derives theories from observational data, emphasises systematic coding, achieving validity and reliability; combines qualitative and quantitative methods Action research – applying fact finding to practical problem solving in a social situation with a view to improving the quality of action within it; involves collaboration of researchers and practitioners. Soft Systems Methodology – a form of action research important for IS development.
Uses of qualitative research in IS Information systems are embedded in and reflect social systems: cultures, organisations, teams. Combined with quantitative methodologies, qualitative research gives us rich tools for understanding the contexts in which we work, for communicating and for creating new oppportunities for organisations