From: Data science: developing theoretical contributions in information systems via text analytics
Theory type | Distinguishing attributes |
---|---|
I. Analysis | Says what is The theory does not extend beyond analysis and description. No causal relationships among phenomena are specified and no predictions are made |
II. Explanation | Says what is, how, why, when and where The theory provides explanations but does not aim to predict with any precision. There are no testable propositions |
III. Prediction | Says what is and what will be The theory provides predictions and has testable propositions but does not have well-developed justificatory causal explanations |
IV. Explanation and prediction (EP) | Says what is, how, why, when, where and what will be Provides predictions and has both testable propositions and causal explanations |
V. Design and action | Says how to do something The theory gives explicit prescriptions (e.g. methods, techniques, principles of form and function) for constructing an artifact |