Diversity in IS Research: An Exploratory Study Using Latent Semantics

摘要

Due to the pervasive and ever-changing nature of IT in modern organizations, IS research is characterized by high levels of diversity in topics and approaches. In this paper we attempt to illustrate the diversity in the IS field by applying text mining techniques on research paper abstracts that were published in top IS journals during the last 22 years. Our analysis extracts latent semantic factors that can be interpreted and tracked over time. This methodology is applied here to 1,615 IS research paper abstracts, published in the 1985-2006 period, in order to identify key emerging and declining research themes. Our results reveal a rich and varied field with a wide collection of research themes, some unique to IS research and some others lying on the intersection of IS research and reference disciplines. The results suggest high dynamism in IS research, shortage of grand theories, and persistent high emphasis on rigor.