Context/domain:
On an international level, research in Information Systems is dominated by a behaviourist approach. The work that produced this meta model is based on the assumption that due to the diversity of research subjects and goals, a mono-paradigmatic approach to research is not sufficient. Instead, it suggests an approach that allows the configuration of research methods - see Frank, U.: Towards a Pluralistic Conception of Research Methods in Information Systems Research. ICB Research Report, Nr. 7, 2006
Stakeholders and prospective users:
Researchers in Information Systems Research - including Information Systems and Wirtschaftsinformatik
Assumptions:
This meta model is based on ontological and epistemological assumptions, which are related to various schools in philosophy of science. It is also based on the assumption that there is a common conception of science that fits all scientific disciplines.
Relevant design decisions and discussion of possible alternatives:
The most important design decision was to find appropriate abstractions of various concepts of truth, knowledge contributions and justification processes.
Open questions:
While this model is rather generic, there is still the question whether it is complete, i. e. whether it allows for covering all relevant aspects for the configuration of a research method.
