Issues Embedded in Research Methodology

Roger Clarke **

Invited Presentation to Workshop on IT/IS Research: Methodological Issues and Approaches, at the Centre for eApplication Research (CeAR), School of I.T. & C.S., Uni. of Wollongong

Version of 8 November 2004

© Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd, 2004

This document is at http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/Res/ResWgong041108.html

The slide-set supporting the presentation is at http://www.anu.edu.au/people/Roger.Clarke/Res/ResWgong041108.ppt

Abstract

The purpose of this presentation is to identify some challenges confronting researchers' choice of research method. These are particularly serious in the case of eBusiness generally, and eApplications in particular, because of the unstable nature of the research domains that they focus on.

The first set of challenges arises in relation to the focus of the research, the nature of the desired research outcomes, the alternative motivations for research, and the particular balance between relevance and rigour.

The various research techniques are introduced, drawing attention to key features of the world-view that goes with them. Attention is drawn to additional issues arising in relation to scientific research, interpretivist research, and the scales against which data is measured.

Author Affiliations

Roger Clarke is Principal of Xamax Consultancy Pty Ltd, Canberra. He is also a Visiting Professor in the E-Commerce Programme at the University of Hong Kong, Visiting Professor in the Baker & McKenzie Cyberspace Law & Policy Centre at the University of N.S.W., and Visiting Fellow in the Department of Computer Science at the Australian National University.

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Created: 8 November 2004

Last Amended: 8 November 2004

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