I chose a research journal called Journal of Communication. This particular journal is published by the International Communication Association and has so far been published in 63 different volumes. According to the journal's website, it concentrates on communication research, practice, policy, and theory, bringing to its readers the latest, broadest, and most important findings in the field of communication studies. It currently possess an impact factor of 2.011.
The specific article that I chose was published in the 63rd volume, issue 4, called Digital Divides From Access to Activities: Comparing Mobile and Personal Computer Internet Users. The article was first published online in july 2013. However, this particular journal issue was published in August. The authors are Katy E. Pearce and Ronald E. Rice. The reason for me choosing this specific article was soley because of the fact that its title appealed to me.
The article aims to explore how the digital divide, or digital inequality, may appear in different generic scenarios. This it does through three main questions:
- Does the general usage gap model apply in unique contexts?
- Are the two access devices differentially influenced by digital divide sociodemographic variables, and do they in turn differentially influence usage?
- Are different Internet activities differentially influenced by the sociodemographic variables, the access device, and usage?
To determine their first question, the authors chooses the unique context of Armenia and perform their own data mining soley in this country. To answer the second and third question, the authors chooses to look closer into four parameters which they believe influences the digital divide the most. These are (1) access and usage, (2) device, (3) activity frequency and (4) activity type and breadth. In all of these areas, except for area 3 for some reason, they develop some hypotheses which they aim to answer by analysis of their method.
Their method in this case was in the form of a survey which they carried out to handpicked Armenian households. With this survey data, they perform statistical analysis to determine if their hypotheses can still be valid or have to be discarded. After this they further discuss their results. The main findings of the article indicate that there are significant sociodemographic influences on all measured parameters. However, the device type can also significantly influence certain activites - but only on a computer.
To me, the paper feels a bit all over the place and not too cohesive or focused. Why did the authors per example only develop hypotheses for three out of four measured parameters? I also think their main questions could be a lot better formulated. I had to spend some minutes just rapping the head around in what direction the questions' words were heading.
What constitutes theory?
Hrastinski (2012) states that theory is an abstract entity that aims to describe and enhance understanding of the world and sometimes provide predictions of what will happen in the future. Furthermore, theory builds upon information and has to be confirmed or established by observations or experiments.
According to Staw & Sutton (1995), there is little agreement about what constitutes strong versus weak theory in science. However, there is more consensus that (1) references, (2) data, (3) variables, (4) diagrams, and (5) hypotheses are not theory.
Theories in my article
After studying the different theory types of Gregor (2006) closer, I would say that the specific theory type used in my paper would be type II, Explanation. The authors try to explain how the specific phenomena occurs and looks into how these questions have been handled now and in the past. Therefore it is not only an analysis, but it handles more dimensions as mentioned by Gregor in the theory type of Explanation.
Benefits & limitations
I believe that the more variables you introduce in a scientific method or theory, the more depth and deeper insights could be achieved. But you will at the same time be exposed to more potential pit falls and increase the demand for very highly qualitative material backing up the theory. Futhermore, you will of course have to think about what for what purpose you aim to write the text for. Different theories will serve different purposes. A text based on a theory of analysis does not have to be of less quality than a text of explanation and prediction if it serves the purpose of the text well. A conclusion you might draw from this is that areas with less previous research needs less "complex" theories in order to satisfy the needs of a research of good quality.
References
- GREGOR S. 2006. The Nature of Theory in Information Systems. MIS Quarterly, 30(3), 611-642.
- PEARCE K & RICE R. 2013. Digital Divides From Access to Activities: Comparing Mobile and Personal Computer Internet Users. Journal of Communication. Vol 63, issue 4, 721-744.
- SUTTON R I & STAW B M. 1995. What Theory is Not. Administrative Science Quarterly, 40(3), 371-384.
You say that:
SvaraRadera"the more variables you introduce in a scientific method or theory, the more depth and deeper insights could be achieved".
When you say variables, I am thinking about different aspect of political views. Is this what you mean by it?
Could be. What I believe that I essentially meant was that the more information you introduce - the more analysis or explanatory efforts have to be performed. However, more information could naturally (if the information is equally value adding) lead to more insights and more aspects of a discussion.
SvaraRadera