Theme 2: Theory

1.

Theory should contain abstract pieces that have goals to describe, explain and enhance our understanding of the world and possibly predict outcomes. Gregor mentions in The Nature of Theory in Information Systems that theory can be broken up into seven basic components. These are representation, constructs, relationships, scope, casual explanations, falsifiable (testable) statements and prescriptive (designable) statements. Theory should, in some way, be generalized, even if the theory might focus on more specific areas. Gregor explains that there are four primary goals for theory (of information systems), which are: analysis and description, explanation, prediction and prescription. He later builds on that notion and presents five different types of theory, similar to the four goals, which all theory in this subject can be divided into:

(I) Analysis,

(II) Explanation,

(III) Prediction,

(IV) Explanation and Prediction,

(V) Design and Action.

Analysis presents what is. Explanation: what is, how, why, when and where. Prediction: what is and what will be. Design and action: how to do something. All of these types of theory consist of the analysis part (“what is”). To develop good theory you have to base it on “analysis”. It constitutes the fundamental basis to be able to express the other types of theory.

Examples of what theory is not, as mentioned in What Theory Is Not, are references, data, variables, diagrams and hypotheses. All these can be used as a foundation to develop and confirm theory, but shouldn’t itself be used as theory. Theory should mostly be verbal presentations, comparisons and explanations. These can themselves, though, be based on the implementation of various data, references, variables, diagrams and hypotheses. “Good theory is often representational and verbal”. According to Gregor, theory should be more than just experimental laws through single or few statements. Theory is more comprehensive and should be developed as a system of experimental data, statements and theoretical terms.

2.

I chose the paper Computer Supported Collaborative Learning Using Wirelessly Interconnected Handheld Computers by Zurita and Nussbaum. It is published in the journal Computers & Education. The paper was one of the most cited in this journal, which makes it probable that it is of high quality and also has theory of high quality. The main theories in the paper are collaborative learning and, more specifically, computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL). The authors mention positive effects of CSCL, as it promotes problem-solving, technical learning and social activities. They also present possible difficulties of using CSCL and what to have in mind when using it. Overall, I found the use of theory to be very good.

I would describe the theory in this paper as (IV) explanation and prediction. The authors bring up analysis, describing what CSCL is. Furthermore, they explain how it is used and why conclusions have been made about the subject. The authors also present what can be expected when using CSCL, by arguing this and referring to results in previous research. Thus, combining these presented theory types, the paper could be said to be of “explanation and prediction”-theory. This type of theory is, according to research in Gregor’s text, the most common one.

3.

By using “explanation and prediction”-theory the authors not only present the readers with descriptions of it, as an “analysis”-theory type would, but also give more in-depth presentation of where the theory comes from and what it is grounded in. I believe that an “explanation”-theory is needed for the reader to get deep knowledge of what the paper consists of. “Prediction”-theory is, in my opinion, not equally important, but gives a good groundwork, clarifying that the theory is proven and that it has been, and could be, established through research testing. One possible limitation of the theory in the paper is that it isn’t very generalized, as it doesn’t touch the more general subject of CL nearly as much as CSCL.