Deductive vs. Inductive

Deductive vs. Inductive

Deductive and inductive are two distinct logical processes. Inductive reasoning is from detailed facts to general principles, whereas deductive reasoning is from the general to the particular. As far as research is concerned, deductive reasoning analyzes whether the data conform to the theoretical explanation while inductive reasoning infer meanings from the data collected.

These two logical processes perform a vital role in research, particularly in formulating theory and hypothesis.  Theory can be built from research, but as to how strong the theory formulated defends on research conducted. Qualitative research tends to produce weak theory. However, the weak theory can be strong if many researchers draw hypothesis from it.