Good science, bad science: Preventing paradigm paralysis and method-bias malaise

This essay attempts to describe the potentially positive or negative outcomes of a research methods issue. I draw upon three lessons for scientists found in the field of medical science. These three lessons are applied to the Accounting Information Systems (AIS) field. Finally, I suggest a few ways by which AIS researchers can collectively make the most of this issue to thrust the field forward.

Research highlights► A methods issue can provide either promise or peril. ► Good science maintains suspicion towards the current paradigm. ► Good science is not biased against new theories or methods. ► Good science compromises neither rigor nor relevance, accepting tradeoffs. ► New, non-paradigmatic research provides the greatest thrust to a discipline.