EVIDENCE-BASED INFORMATION SYSTEMS: A DECADE LATER

The idea of evidence-based practice is explained and the related work found in the IS research literature is reviewed, which enables a richer and more nuanced approach to understanding information systems than found in conventional SLRs.

Abstract

The “evidence-based practice” paradigm was proposed to IS researchers a decade ago. Since then evidence-based practice has become established across a range of disciplines, but it has received relatively little attention in IS. This paper explains the idea of evidence-based practice and reviews the related work found in the IS research literature. Some possible reasons for the lack of widespread adoption in IS are suggested. Systematic literature reviews (SLRs), a key research method in evidence-based practice, are explained. Recent developments in SLRs are discussed, which enable a richer and more nuanced approach to understanding information systems than found in conventional SLRs. It is proposed that these developments now make SLRs more suitable for synthesising empirical studies in IS. Greater use of SLRs by IS researchers would enable us to develop a cumulative knowledgebase of use to both researchers and practitioners.