Document Type
Article
Original Publication Date
2009
Journal/Book/Conference Title
MIS Quarterly
Volume
33
Issue
2
First Page
237
Last Page
262
DOI of Original Publication
https://doi.org/10.2307/20650291
Date of Submission
August 2025
Abstract
Qualitative research is just as able as quantitative research to follow certain fundamental principles of logic in general and scientific reasoning in particular. Two such principles are the logic of modus ponens and the logic of modus tollens. In this essay, we frame different research approaches— positivist research, interpretive research, action research, and design research—in the forms of modus ponens and modus tollens. Three issues emerge from this framing and call into question how research is now conducted in the discipline of information systems. They are the issue of a common scientific basis, the issue of the fallacy of affirming the consequent, and the issue of summative validity. Both rigor and relevance in information systems research may be better achieved by attending to the three issues.
Rights
MIS Quarterly © 2009 Management Information Systems Research Center, University of Minnesota
Is Part Of
VCU Information Systems Publications
Included in
Management Information Systems Commons, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Commons