Cross-sectional research: A critical perspective, use cases, and recommendations for IS research. (June 2023)
- Record Type:
- Journal Article
- Title:
- Cross-sectional research: A critical perspective, use cases, and recommendations for IS research. (June 2023)
- Main Title:
- Cross-sectional research: A critical perspective, use cases, and recommendations for IS research
- Authors:
- Maier, Christian
Thatcher, Jason Bennett
Grover, Varun
Dwivedi, Yogesh K. - Abstract:
- Abstract: Cross-sectional data is pervasive in information systems (IS) research. This editorial reviews cross-sectional studies, summarizes their strengths and limitations, and derives use cases of when cross-sectional data is and is not useful in answering research questions. We raise concerns about assertions of temporal causality using data collected employing cross-sectional methods with no temporal order, which makes cause and effect difficult to establish. Based on our discussion of research using cross-sectional data and its limitations, we offer four recommendations for when and how to use such data: (1) improve credibility by reporting research in detail and transparently, (2) ensure appropriate sampling, (3) take configurational perspectives, and (4) integrate cross-sectional data into mixed- or multi-method designs. By doing so, we help IS researchers position and use cross-sectional studies appropriately within their methodological repertoire. Highlights: Cross-sectional study designs are predominant in Information Systems research. Cross-sectional research follows an efficient and inexpensive execution. Cross-sectional data limit statements related to temporal causality. Use configurational or mixed-method studies when having cross-sectional data. We offer four recommendations for when and how to use cross-sectional data.
- Is Part Of:
- International journal of information management. Volume 70(2023)
- Journal:
- International journal of information management
- Issue:
- Volume 70(2023)
- Issue Display:
- Volume 70, Issue 2023 (2023)
- Year:
- 2023
- Volume:
- 70
- Issue:
- 2023
- Issue Sort Value:
- 2023-0070-2023-0000
- Page Start:
- Page End:
- Publication Date:
- 2023-06
- Subjects:
- Cross-sectional research -- Cross-sectional study design -- Cross-sectional survey -- Cross-sectional survey design -- Survey -- Survey research design -- Causality
Social sciences -- Information services -- Periodicals
Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals
Information science -- Periodicals
Management information systems -- Periodicals
Knowledge management -- Periodicals
Sciences sociales -- Documentation, Services de -- Périodiques
Sciences sociales -- Recherche -- Périodiques
Sciences de l'information -- Périodiques
Systèmes d'information de gestion -- Périodiques
Information science
Management information systems
Social sciences -- Information services
Social sciences -- Research
Periodicals
Electronic journals
025.52068 - Journal URLs:
- http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/02684012 ↗
http://www.elsevier.com/journals ↗ - DOI:
- 10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2023.102625 ↗
- Languages:
- English
- ISSNs:
- 0268-4012
- Deposit Type:
- Legaldeposit
- View Content:
- Available online (eLD content is only available in our Reading Rooms) ↗
- Physical Locations:
- British Library DSC - 4542.304900
British Library DSC - BLDSS-3PM
British Library HMNTS - ELD Digital store - Ingest File:
- 26810.xml