Qualitative research in information systems: consideration of selected theories - Information Systems Foundations: Constructing and Criticising - page 35

4. Qualitative research in information
systems: consideration of selected
theories
M. Gordon Hunter, Faculty of Management, The University
of Lethbridge
Abstract
Qualitative researchers attempt to document observed phenomena relative to the
meanings attributed to the phenomena by research participants involved in the specific
incident or situation. Relatively recently, the information systems research community
has responded to the call for more of an emphasis on conducting qualitative research.
This paper presents three theories, Grounded Theory, Personal Construct Theory, and
Narrative Inquiry, which may be considered within the qualitative perspective. In re-
sponse to concerns about bias and reliability in qualitative research, data gathering
techniques are described including the RepGrid technique and the Long Interview
technique.
Introduction
This paper presents a discussion about conducting information systems research while
taking a qualitative perspective to carrying out investigations. Within this qualitative
perspective, selected theories are presented, including Grounded Theory, Personal
Construct Theory, and Narrative Inquiry. The discussion shows the relationship of these
theories to conducting qualitative research in information systems. These theories, de-
veloped in other fields of research, may be employed to further contribute to our under-
standing of the information systems discipline.
The discussion here does not present a comparison of qualitative and quantitative per-
spectives, nor a combination known as mixed mode (Nicholls et al., 2001) or pluralistic
(Mingers, 2001). Indeed, it is the author's contention that the research perspective, ap-
proach, and method should be determined as a consequence of deciding upon the object-
ives of the investigation. Thus, one particular perspective, approach, or method is neither
better nor worse than another, just simply more or less appropriate within the specific
circumstances and objectives of the research project.
The next section presents a definition of qualitative research and discusses why it is
currently considered important as a perspective for conducting investigations in the
information systems field. Following this discussion, the selected theories are outlined.
The theories are subsequently further elucidated through the presentation and discussion
of selected examples of published research that has employed these theories in the in-
formation systems subject area. Finally, conclusions that discuss how this perspective
and these theories contribute to information systems theoretical foundations are
presented.