Methodologies in MIS research: An examination of the literature

This research study examined the methodologies used to conduct research in the information systems area in the past several years (1988-1995). The study was conducted by performing an exhaustive review of thirteen MIS-related journals. Of the thirteen journals used for the study, seven journals are academic and the remaining six journals are practitioner. Of the sampled articles in academic journals, survey methodology was the most frequently used for MIS research. The other methodologies in order of usage are speculation/opinion, modeling, case study, combination of methodologies, library research, field study, lab experiments, and field experiments. Speculation/opinions was the dominant methodology used for conducting research in practitioner journal articles. Lack of theory in the field of MIS can be a major reason for this. Case studies and the survey methodology have been used consistently by MIS researchers.