INDUCTIVE AND
DEDUCTIVE RESEARCH
APPROACH
CONTENTS:
How do we define each term?
Advantages
Disadvantages
Conclusion
INDUCTION – DEFINED AS..
Inductive approach, also known in
inductive reasoning, starts with the
observations and theories are proposed
towards the end of the research process
as a result of observations
How does induction approach
work?
Inductive reasoning works by, moving from specific
observations to broader generalizations and theories.
Induction begins with observations and seeks to find
a pattern within them”
Informally,, we sometimes call this a "bottom up“
approach
Generally, the application of inductive approach is
associated with qualitative methods of data collection
Conclusion is likely based on premises.
Involves a degree of uncertainty
INDUCTION APPROACH (HILL-UP)
OBSERVATIONS
// TESTS
PROCESS THEORY
As it is illustrated in figure above, “inductive reasoning is often referred to as a “bottom-
up” approach to knowing, in which the researcher uses observations to build an
abstraction or to describe a picture of the phenomenon that is being studied.
Here is an example for an inductive approach:
My nephew borrowed $100 last June but he did not
pay back until September as he had promised
(premise). Then he assured me that he will pay back
until Christmas but he did not (premise). He also
failed in to keep his promise to pay back in march
(premise). I reckon I have to face the facts. My
nephew is never going to pay me back (conclusion).
Deductive Reasoning
A deductive approach is concerned with
“developing a hypothesis (or hypotheses) based
on existing theory to test the hypothesis”
How does a deductive approach
function?
Deductive reasoning works from the general to specific. Informally
called a "top-down“ approach.
Generally, studies using deductive approach follow the following
stages:
1. Deducing hypothesis from theory
2. Formulating hypothesis in operational terms and proposing
relationships between two specific variables
3. Testing hypothesis with the application of relevant method(s)
4. Examining the outcome of the test, and thus confirming or
rejecting the theory.
5. Modifying theory in instances when hypothesis is not confirmed…
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REASONING
DEDUCTION – DEDUCTIVE
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Instudies with deductive approach, the researcher formulates a set of
hypotheses at the start of the research. Then, relevant research methods are
chosen and applied to test the hypotheses to prove them right or wrong.
DEDUCTIVE REASONING -
Everyday Examples
Deductive reasoning is based on premises and if the premises are true, then
the reasoning will be valid.
In mathematics, If A = B and B = C, then A = C.
Since all humans are mortal, and I am a human, then I am mortal.
All dolphins are mammals, all mammals have kidneys; therefore all
dolphins have kidneys.
All dolphins are mammals, all mammals have kidneys; therefore all
dolphins have kidneys.
Since all squares are rectangles, and all rectangles have four sides, so all
squares have four sides
INDUCTIVE REASONING-
Advantages:
The main advantage of inductive reasoning, is that it works
better in situations when our information is incomplete.
For cognitive systems like ours, where our experience is
very limited, inductive reasoning helps us draw sometimes
life saving conclusion very quickly in the moment.
In more formal arenas like science, inductive reasoning
allows us to generalize laws of nature and the universe,
even though our experience of it is an extremely small
percentage, even if we include the entire collective
experience of humanity over time.
inductive reasoning is great for open systems.
INDUCTIVE REASONING- Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of inductive reasoning are
that it cannot guarantee its conclusions
that it assumes the uniformity of nature
throughout the universe
it relies on observation for information collection
DEDUCTIVE REASONING-
Advantages
deductive reasoning and exercising it regularly helps see
the patterns and underlying assumptions that govern all
human knowledge.
At its most basic level, it is simply applying larger truths
and over-arching facts to smaller questions to arrive at the
logical answers.
Deductive approach is
straight to the point
many rules can be more explicitly and quickly explained
allow more time for practice and application- time-saving.
Deductive Reasoning
Disadvantages- quite formal –
encourages the belief that learning a concept and
conclusion is simply a case of knowing the rules.
Conclusion
Inductive reasoning has its place in the research
methods. Scientists use it to form hypothesis and
theories Deductive reasoning allows them to
apply the theories to specific situations.
