Validation Criteria for Computationally Intensive Theory Construction

Abstract: Computationally intensive theory construction (CITC) uses computational techniques to generate theoretical insights from patterns identified in data. While guidelines exist for methodological approaches in CITC, the open-ended nature of the genre presents challenges in terms of the validity of inferences drawn from patterns found in data using computational methods. We propose a multi-perspective framework for establishing validity in the CITC process. Specifically, we identify the two issues of pattern specification and fit as two validity threats when surfacing patterns from data. This paper contributes to the methodological rigor of CITC research and fosters a supportive scholarly environment for innovation and exploration in the digital era.

Bio: Hani Safadi is Associate professor at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia. He is interested in online communities, social media, health IT, information systems development, and the application of computational techniques in management research. His research is published in outlets such as MIS Quarterly where he serves as Associate Editor, Information Systems Research, Organization Science, Journal of the Association for Information Systems, and Journal of Medical Internet Research.