Misunderstanding Metatheorizing. (29th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edwards, Mark G.
• Is Part Of: Systems research and behavioral science. Volume 31:Number 6(2014:Nov./Dec.)
• Page Start: 720
• Page End: 744
• Publication Date: 2013-07-29
• Subjects: Psychology -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Periodicals; System theory -- Periodicals; 003
• DOI: 10.1002/sres.2203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1092-7026

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Metatheorizing is an important but generally poorly understood genre of social science inquiry that has particular relevance to systems research. In this paper, I define and present the major characteristics of metatheoretical research, discuss why it is neglected as a form of research and how it is often misunderstood and inadequately represented in the systems and management science literature. I illustrate the discussion with some examples of misunderstanding of metatheorizing from the systems science literature. I also make some recommendations for how researchers can improve their own metatheorizing and so, hopefully, help this important form of research become more widely acknowledged and critically appreciated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.</p> </abstract>