Inductive vs Deductive Research
The distinction between inductive and deductive research is derived from their approach and focus. Research is essential in all disciplines as it enables academics to expand their theoretical knowledge and verify existing theories. Inductive and deductive research approaches can be seen as a classification system. These two types differ from each other, with inductive research primarily focusing on building new theories, while deductive research focuses on verifying theories. This article will discuss the differences between these two types of research, inductive and deductive research.
What is Inductive Research?
Inductive research aims to create new knowledge. It typically starts with an area of interest for the researcher. From this selected field, the researcher creates a research problem and develops research questions. He then attempts to find data through his observations. A researcher can rely on various research methods to gather data for his research questions, such as interviews or observations. In the analytical stage, the researcher seeks patterns from the data. In the final stage of inductive research, the researcher constructs the theory using his data and the identified patterns. This demonstrates that inductive research employs a bottom-up approach.
Grounded theory by Glaser and Strauss is an excellent example of the inductive approach in research. This is primarily because, in Grounded theory, the focus is on creating new knowledge through a cyclic process. A researcher entering the field has an open mind, unbiased, and without preconceived ideas. He derives the research problem mostly from the setting itself, and the data guides him towards the creation of a new theory.
Inductive research question example: What causes air pollution the most?
What is Deductive Research?
Deductive research differs from inductive research as it uses a top-down approach rather than the inductive research approach. Deductive research can be understood as a research category that includes a process of testing hypotheses to verify a theory. Unlike inductive research that generates new knowledge through creating theories, deductive research aims to test a theory.
It does not attempt to find patterns in data but uses observation with the intention of validating the pattern. This is mainly used by researchers to falsify theories. The deductive approach often comes in quantitative research where the researcher tries to establish causality and present a statistical analysis. This highlights that inductive and deductive research are significantly different and can be used depending on the researcher’s objectives.
Deductive research question example: Factories cause the most air pollution.
What is the difference between Inductive and Deductive Research?
- Approach:
- Inductive and deductive research processes can be viewed as opposites.
- Inductive research utilizes a bottom-up approach.
- Deductive research employs a top-down approach.
- Aim:
- Inductive research aims to produce new knowledge or create new theories.
- Deductive research aims to verify theories.
- Research Questions vs Hypothesis:
- In inductive research, the researcher primarily focuses on finding answers to the research questions.
- In deductive research, hypotheses are tested.
- Usage:
- The inductive approach is mainly used in qualitative research that aims to find rich descriptive data.
- The deductive approach is mainly used in quantitative research that mostly deals with numbers.
- Use of Observation:
- In inductive research, the researcher attempts to find patterns through observation.
- In deductive research, the researcher uses observation with the intention of validating the pattern.
