Advancing Next-Generation Multimethod Research in Information Systems: A Framework and Some Recommendations for Authors and Evaluators

Suprateek Sarker (), Hillol Bala (), Yili Hong (), Atreyi Kankanhalli (), Matti Rossi (), Bin Gu () and Gal Oestreicher-Singer ()
Additional contact information
Suprateek Sarker: McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Hillol Bala: Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
Yili Hong: Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146
Atreyi Kankanhalli: School of Computing, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077
Matti Rossi: School of Business, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Bin Gu: Questrom School of Business, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
Gal Oestreicher-Singer: Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6997801, Israel

Information Systems Research, 2025, vol. 36, issue 2, 647-668

Abstract: The increasing complexity of sociotechnical phenomena, proliferation of diverse data sources, expanding repertoire of research methods, and broadening multiparadigmatic awareness and competence have spurred a growing interest in multimethod research in the information systems (IS) field. This editorial recognizes and celebrates the value of integrating diverse methods and offers a framework to classify multimethod research using two dimensions: (a) methodological distance—the degree of difference (proximate or distant) between methods employed in terms of characteristics such as paradigmatic assumptions, techniques, and goals; and (b) nature of integration—the extent to which the methods are combined in loosely coupled (interlayered) or tightly coupled (intertwined) ways. These dimensions yield four types of multimethod research: assembly (proximate methods with interlayered integration), blend (proximate methods with intertwined integration), bridge (distant methods with interlayered integration), and fusion (distant methods with intertwined integration). We illustrate each archetype with studies published in leading IS journals. Building on these examples, we provide actionable guidance for authors on conducting and presenting multimethod research and also offer recommendations for evaluators of multimethod work. More broadly, we call on the IS community to embrace multimethod research not as an ad hoc stack of methods, but as a systematic strategy, aligning with these recommendations related to methodological distance and nature of integration, to produce a credible, revelatory, and rich body of knowledge on multifaceted IS phenomena.

Date: 2025
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