Critically evaluating an applications vs theory framework for research quality

Ormerod [Ormerod RJ. An observation on publication habits based on the analysis of MS/OR journals. Omega Int J Mgmt Sci 1997;25:599-603.] contributes to an ongoing debate by pointing out that not only do US authors frequently publish in UK journals, but also that journal articles can be analysed on the basis of being 'untested theory' or 'true applications'. Such a taxonomy might, Ormerod suggests, be an alternative method of evaluating 'research quality' to the established methods of peer review or citation analysis. This response critically evaluates this suggestion in terms of validity, reliability, practicability and exhaustiveness. Ormerod's case is found not proven.