An Historical Method for MIS Research: Steps and Assumptions.

Author List: Mason, Richard O.; McKenney, James L.; Copeland, Duncan G.;
MIS Quarterly, 1997, Volume 21, Issue 3, Page 307-320.
Historical research offers perspectives on phenomena that are unavailable by any other methodological means. They reflect the cultural circumstances and ideological assumptions that underlie phenomena and the role played by key decision makers together with long-term economic, social, and political forces in creating them. Each of these benefits is accompanied by limitations such as, in most cases, a lack of mathematical tractability. The careful application of historical methods can overcome some of these limitations. A seven-step methodology is proposed: begin with focusing questions, specify the domain, gather evidence, critique the evidence, determine patterns, tell the story, and write the transcript.
Keywords: History; management information systems; strategy
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#100 0.302 affective concepts role questions game gaming production games logic play shaping frames future network natural processes evidence addresses reference theorizing
#32 0.148 research studies issues researchers scientific methodological article conducting conduct advanced rigor researcher methodology practitioner issue relevance findings validation papers published
#282 0.114 power perspective process study rational political perspectives politics theoretical longitudinal case social rationality formation construction shows multiple instead understanding fact
#86 0.101 methods information systems approach using method requirements used use developed effective develop determining research determine assessment useful series critical existing
#246 0.083 strategic benefits economic benefit potential systems technology long-term applications competitive company suggest additional companies industry operating costs difficult substantial total
#8 0.059 decision making decisions decision-making makers use quality improve performance managers process better results time managerial task significantly help indicate maker