In line with Yin’s (1994) preference for “devising theoretical propositions before data collection” the author has used ‘pattern matching’ a specific analytical procedure suitable to this strategy. Using Salo & Karjaluoto’s (2007) trust model and TAM as theory the author predicts a pattern of outcomes. The analysed data is then used to validate or discount the applicability of the theories to the uses of Bitcoin. Having analysis that verifies theory found in literature “then it is likely that your theoretically based explanation is appropriate to explain your findings” Saunders et al. (2009). However, if one or more outcome cannot be accounted for or “predicted by your explanation then you will need to seek an alternative one” (Yin, 1994).
While using the approach of pattern matching ‘explanation building’ can be used as an attempt to build an explanation while collecting and analysing data. Rather than validating or discounting a predetermined hypothesis explanation building “is designed to test a theoretical explanation, abate in an iterative manner, rather than to generate grounded theory” (Yin, 1994).
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The New Exchange 