The
definition of the theory says that this is a teaching, a system of ideas or
principles. The theory is a set of generalized statements that form a science
or its section. Every conclusion in the theory is derived from other inferences
based on the rules of logic output. The theory consists of hypothesis which is
confirmed or approved through a survey or experiment. These hypotheses are
proposed for the study or received as calculated for the known facts. Experience
in the theory becomes meaningful and a source of meaning and knowledge. The theory
includes the objective knowledge and cannot be the result only of the
individual and subjective research. The objective but the abstract world is
included in the theory. This world is represented by human-made objects such as
mathematics, language, knowledge, science, art, etc.
In the research “The nature of theory in
information systems” by Gregor the theory is presented in the form of
theoretical issues which are included in the four major groups of issues. Five
major issues are: theoretical issues, structural and related issues, the
epistemological issues and socio-political issues. Structurally the theory is
divided into the following theories: analysis, explanation, prediction,
explanation and prediction, intentions and prediction. The theory is considered
to be satisfactory if it is considered by all of the types of questions and
theories.
Data, references, lists of options, diagrams
and hypotheses are not theory. These concepts are supporting materials for
creating the theory. The necessary data to the logical interpretation and
comparison of data and creating theories are taken from these concepts.
I have chosen the article “Impact of media
richness and flow on e-learning technology acceptance”, Computers &
Education Volume 52, Issue 3, April 2009, Pages 599-607.
The article says about increasing of
computer’s total part in the educational process. The number of computers is
growing and the existing methods are not enough for the prediction of their
share in the e-learning system. A combination of several theories for the research,
understanding and forecasting the development of e-learning and multimedia’s
part in it is required. This article creates an analysis of the possible
solutions of this problem by combining a number of different theories. These
theories study the information systems for training for students. In particular,
the focus of research is the effective use of texts, video and audio materials.
In my opinion, in this article the method of
analysis and description are used. It can be seen on the methods that are used
in the study and analysis of the results. The researches were conducted in
different directions with several changes of the baselines. The conclusions
made as a result of observations of participants of these researches. The
practical advices based on the result of research and can be applied in
practice. Also, this research can be used in the new possible theoretical researches.
The results of this research can be considered in other areas where the
streaming media is used.
The benefits of this method are the
possibilities to describe specific phenomena. We can investigate the possible
interaction between events and determining the capacity of these interactions. We
can also predict the possible development of the relationship and the consequences
of these structural studies. Limitations of the
method include the ability to
change the initial conditions of research and complexity of prediction of research
of these changes.
Reference:
Gregor, S. 2006. The nature of theory in information systems. The Nature of Theory in IS. MIS Quarterly Volume 30 (3): 611-642
Sutton, R. I. and Staw, B. M. 1995. What theory is not. Administrative Science Quarterly. Volume 40 (3): 371-384
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