Strengths and Weaknesses of Longitudinal Research in Information Systems: Preliminary Findings

Longitudinal research is a useful tool for information system (IS) researchers studying contemporary IS issues. Because longitudinal research is neither a monolithic concept nor a panacea, uncovering the strengths and weaknesses of past IS longitudinal studies could provide significant benefits to IS researchers wishing to use this approach in the future. To address this gap in the literature, we’re conducting a review of longitudinal studies published in eight prominent IS journals. Based on a preliminary analysis of a subset of this sample – 41 studies published in MIS Quarterly from 2011 to 2021 – this paper confirms the adequacy of IS longitudinal research at the micro-level but highlight deficiencies at the macro level. Most importantly, IS researchers are not using the approach to assess developmental change, historical change or causal effects and thus fail to take full advantage of the unique features of this approach.