[ARTICLE] This paper argues that machine learning (ML) techniques, despite their reputation for "predictions without explanations," are valuable for theory building in social science by aiding pattern detection during inductive theorizing.

by Yash Raj Shrestha , Vivianna Fang He(ESSEC Business School), Phanish Puranam, Georg von Krogh

Across many fields of social science, machine learning (ML) algorithms are rapidly advancing research as tools to support traditional hypothesis testing research (e.g. through data reduction and automation of data coding, or for improving matching on observable features of a phenomenon or constructing instrumental variables). In this Organization Science Perspective-paper, we argue that researchers are yet to recognize the value of ML techniques for theory building from data. This may be in part due to scholars’ inherent distaste for “predictions without explanations” that ML algorithms are known to produce. However, precisely because of this property, we argue that ML techniques can be very useful in theory construction during a key step of inductive theorizing—pattern detection. ML can facilitate “algorithm supported induction,” yielding conclusions about patterns in data that are likely to be robustly replicable by other analysts and in other samples from the same population. These patterns can then be used as inputs to abductive reasoning for building or developing theories that explain them. We propose that algorithm supported induction is valuable for researchers interested in using quantitative data to both develop and test theories in a transparent and reproducible manner, and we illustrate our arguments using simulations.

[Please read the research paper here]