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What is Substantive Theory

Handbook of Research on Contemporary Theoretical Models in Information Systems
A theoretical model that provides a “working theory” of action for a specific context. A substantive theory is considered transferable, rather than generalizable, in the sense that elements of the context can be transferred to contexts of action with similar characteristics to the context under study (for example, studies of small-group IS design in US management consultancy companies). This contrasts with Formal Theory, which is based upon validated, generalizable conclusions across multiple studies that represent the research population as a whole, or upon deductive logic that uses validated empirical theories as its basic axioms.
Published in Chapter:
Employing a Grounded Theory Approach for MIS Research
Susan Gasson (Drexel University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-659-4.ch003
Abstract
This chapter provides a brief introduction to the grounded theory (GT) approach to research, discussing how it has been used in information systems (IS) research, and how GT studies may be conducted to provide a significant theoretical contribution to the management information systems (MIS) field. The subject is of particular interest at a time when GT attracts frequent criticism for a lack of rigor. This chapter deals with what makes for a rigorous contribution to “grounded” theory in MIS. It addresses developments and controversies in the generation of grounded theories, examining the use of GT as a coding method vs. the use of GT as a method for generating theory. The discussion focuses mainly on the constructivist/interpretive perspective adopted in most qualitative data studies, as this is the way in which GT has been used most often in MIS. The chapter concludes with a roadmap for the use of GT in MIS research and a discussion of the contribution made by GT studies in MIS.
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Combining Scientific Worldviews in Mixed Methods Research
In this combination, mixed methods can address research questions and mobilize concepts or theories that unify qualitative and quantitative methods, independent of the worldviews.
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