Induction v Deduction
This blog entry is to clarify my understanding of inductive and deductive research
When undertaking a research it is important to decide whether an inductive or deductive approach should be used. This of course means it is important to understand the difference between these approaches and when they may be best applied.
In an inductive approach to research, the study starts with the collection of empirical data. This data collection is flexible in that questions can change and new questions can be added at any time. This is because as the researcher feels more comfortable with the phenomenon they may see a need to change the collection methods (Dahlberg and McCaig, 2010). Once the data has been collected, an observation is made to see if a pattern emerges. The observations contribute to an understanding of the reality (not the perceived) and to generate a tentative hypothesis. The researcher moves towards discovering a theory, taking care not to make hasty inferences or indulge in guesswork. Induction is often called a bottom-up approach to research (Gray, 2009).
By comparison, a deductive research is a top-down approach (Gray, 2009). When applying a deductive approach, the researcher uses accepted theory as a starting point. A number of hypotheses are educed from the theory and are tested empirically. The deductive process makes observation on the hypotheses, testing each one. After completing the observation, the principal is confirmed, refuted, or revised.
An inductive or a deductive approach does not mean that the researcher cannot change methods during the course of the research. Induction and deduction are not necessarily stand alone instruments. Often a researcher will find the choice of approach is obvious at the start of their research, but will see that once the research is in progress it is normal for the models to interact. A researcher may use both approaches to fully develop their research (Dahlberg & McCaig, 2010).
The chosen approach does not determine whether the research should be should be qualitative or quantitative. However, qualitative research does often inductive approaches while quantitative research often uses the deductive approach..
A simplified summary given by Burney (2008) is as follows.
Deductive Approach
Theory – Hypothesis – Observation – Conclusion
Inductive Approach
Observation – Pattern – Tentative Hypothesis – Theory
References
Gray, David E. (2009). Doing research in the real world (2nd Ed). London, England: Sage Press.
Dahlbery, Lena & McCaig, Colin. (2010). Introduction to research and evaluation basics. In Dahlbery, Lena & McCaig, Colin (Eds.), Practical research and evaluation (pp. 13-28). London, England: Sage Press.
Burney, S.M. (2008) Inductive and deductive research approach. Retrieved from: http://www.drburney.net/INDUCTIVE%20&%20DEDUCTIVE%20RESEARCH%20APPROACH%2006032008.pdf
