Integrating Positivist And Interpretive Approaches To Information Systems Research: A Lakatosian Model

摘要

Analysis of IS research based on the SMF approach requires a delineation of the central core of the IS discipline, and the protective belt of research programs that surround the core. Information systems research is increasingly viewed as a social science that seeks to explain the effects of information technology on individuals, groups, and organizations, and establish the criteria for effective development, deployment, and use of such technologies. Positive heuristics for guiding research are very important for a rapidly evolving field like MIS. While such heuristics should not be too restrictive thereby limiting the scope of research, a total lack of positive heuristics would result in unfocussed and fragmented research.