The Use of Computer-based Experimental Microworlds in IS Research

摘要

There is a strong tradition in IS research of laboratorybasedrnexperimental studies. The attractiveness ofrnlaboratory environments is often due to the fact that theyrnprovide the researcher with a degree of control over therncore and contextual elements of a study that is generallyrnnot available in a field setting. However, the increasedrncontrol is frequently accompanied by a loss of realism andrnrichness that are characteristic of naturalistic settings inrnwhich decision makers operate. This constrains thernresearcher's ability to devise complex, multi-periodrnexperiments that mimic real-life settings.rnOver the past decade, advances in computer-basedrnexperimental microworlds have significantly enhancedrnthe feasibility of replicating complex environments inrnlaboratory settings. An experimental microworldrnsimulates a particular domain of interest, typicallyrnthrough a set of mathematical model(s). Subjects interactrnwith these microworlds in specific experimentalrnsituations. Thus, by using microworlds, a researcher isrnable to create realistic settings of complex, dynamicrnenvironments, while at the same time retaining controlrnover the study. As a result, microworlds have gainedrnincreasing acceptance as a tool for conducting laboratorybasedrnresearch.rnThis tutorial will provide an overview of the corernissues underlying the development and use of computerbasedrnmicroworlds in IS research. It will also discuss thernpragmatics of publishing research that employsrnmicroworlds. The material covered in the tutorial will bernillustrated through the example of a microworld that hasrnbeen extensively employed by the presenter in hisrnresearch.