Mcgrath, J. 1982. Dilemmatics: the Study of Research Choices and Dilemmas. in J. Mcgrath

McGrath, J. 1982. Dilemmatics: The study of research choices and dilemmas. In J. McGrath (Ed.), Judgment calls in research: 69-80. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications. ------The choice of research strategy is dilemmatic due to its three related desiderata:1 (A) generalizability over populations, (B) precision of variable control, and (C) realism of observational context. It is always desirable, ceteris paribus,2 to maximize each one. However, in fact, efforts to optimize any one of these goals result in suboptimization of the others. For example, choosing a 'field studies' strategy maximizes (C) realism of observational context, but provides less (A) generalizability over populations and (B) precision of variable control than other strategic choices; choosing a 'laboratory experiments' strategy maximizes (B) precision of variable control at the cost of (A) generalizability and (C) realism of context. The author provides an figure, juxtapositioning the eight major research strategies and the "three horns" of the dilemma, reproduced here.

Max B High In the examples above, the researcher is "grabbing firm hold" of a horn, resulting in Lab Experimental maximization of one desiderata at the cost o Experi- Simulations of the other two. The researcher may also b ments choose to "fit snugly" between two horns, t eg, judgment tasks. This results in r I I I I Judgment Field moderate increases for both desiderata, u Tasks I I I I Experiments while ensuring a minimum value for, or s "impalement on ," the third desideratum. i This strategy constallation reveals that v I I I I Sample Field simultaneous maximization of desiderata is e Surveys Studies impossible. Therefore, every strategy is n I V I V seriously flawed in the sense that its e Max C strength directly implies its weakness. s Formal s Computer Max A Theory Simulation What is the beleaguered researcher to do? Accept this realistic perspective of Low dilemmatics, and attempt, not to make a 'correct' choice, but to avoid unintended High U n i v e r s i a l i t y Low 'impalement.' Avoid faulty syllogistic thinking that suggests, since one strategy is 'bad,' another is 'good.' Use multiple methodologies to compensate and level differences.

------Presented and summarized by Tony Polito

Questions for Discussion:

· If a research strategy has a weakness, it is flawed? Must all three desiderata be served in every case?

· Where among the horns should budding IS researchers be?

· What might Martin say about McGrath's solution to the "three-horned dilemma?"

1 Purposes 2 All else held constant