The relevance of results in interpretive research in information systems and technology

Abstract

The rigor and relevance of the results is central to the process of scientific investigation, even in areas where the practice prevails, as is the case of the scientific area of information systems and technology. This issue is also particularly relevant when the underlying epistemological orientation is the interpretivism. Based on a literature review focused on interpretive research in the field of information systems and technology, we find that the generalization of research resulting under the interpretive paradigm are valid and are not exclusive to the positivist orientation. This paper explores the importance of interpretative research in the information systems and technology field. As a result we discuss the different perspectives around the generalization and its interpretation in an interpretative research, supporting the investigator in the grounds of validation of their results. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.