Information Technology Reference
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the results. It is claimed that Grounded Theory cannot be reduced to a routine applica-
tion of certain methods. However, in the Grounded Theory literature [7-9] this is speci-
fied as the credibility of the researcher. For instance, the imagination and creativity of
the researcher is highlighted [7]. This is a very personal conception [10] and lacks a
more objectifiable criterion. The assessment of the creativity of a researcher depends to
a large degree on the person undertaking the assessment. The second example will dem-
onstrate that the notion of stylised facts, developed for the investigation of simulation
results [11] can provide a means to develop criteria to evaluate the quality of a
Grounded Theory. Admittedly, this is not the original conception of theoretical sensitiv-
ity [7,9]. Nevertheless, it will be argued that stylised facts provide a source of evidence
that the inductive research process generated distinctive theoretical insights rather
than merely a description of a phenomenon. Insofar it is a criterion for theoretical
sensitivity as it indicates that the data revealed meaningful theoretical insights.
3
Evidence Based Modelling
Before turning to the concrete examples, a brief overview of core principles of evidence
based modelling will be provided in order to show the key similarities between both
research methodologies. Evidence based modelling is an umbrella term for a number of
approaches which evolved in the past decade. They aim to include qualitative, descrip-
tive sources of evidence in the model assumptions [5],[12,13]. [13] coined the term
KIDS principle (Keep it descriptive, stupid). Partly this modelling approach arises from
the fact that agent-based modelling allows for a rule based modelling approach [13].
This enables an implementation of a detailed description of individual decisions and
actions on a social micro-level.
The modelling process in the evidence based account is a bottom-up process,
meaning that it is an iterative process, cycling between modelling and field work [5].
Thus the research process does not conform with the distinction between logic of
discovery and logic of confirmation. Evidence based modelling as well as Grounded
Theory describes an inductive research methodology of an iterative process of con-
stant comparison. Both methodologies consist of a process of increasing abstraction to
gain a consistent and coherent representation of the most salient features of the target
system. As it is the purpose of Grounded Theory, this approach enables to discover
inductively a (middle range) theory of the field of investigation, starting from an
idiographic description.
4
Two Examples
In the following, two examples will be consulted to demonstrate at concrete cases
how simulation technologies can be utilised in a Grounded Theory research process.
Both examples will highlight the role of simulation technologies at different stages of
the research process. The first example will draw attention to the opportunities pro-
vided by software ontologies for the process of theoretical coding. The second exam-
ple will draw attention to the role of simulation results for reaching a theory in a
Grounded Theory process. Here the notion of stylised facts will be consulted.
