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Inductive Vs Deductive Research Approach

The document discusses the differences between inductive and deductive research approaches in business research. Inductive reasoning starts with observations to develop theories, while deductive reasoning begins with existing theories to test hypotheses. Each approach has its own processes and advantages, with inductive focusing on generating patterns from data and deductive emphasizing causal relationships and quantitative measurements.

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Inductive Vs Deductive Research Approach

The document discusses the differences between inductive and deductive research approaches in business research. Inductive reasoning starts with observations to develop theories, while deductive reasoning begins with existing theories to test hypotheses. Each approach has its own processes and advantages, with inductive focusing on generating patterns from data and deductive emphasizing causal relationships and quantitative measurements.

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babbyalonee
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Paper – Business Research Methods Dr.

James Hussain
Paper Code-MB 202 Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty)
MBA- Sem-II [email protected]

TOPIC- Inductive Approach Vs Deductive Research Approach

Inductive Approach (Inductive Reasoning)


A systemic approach is essential for Researcher to arrive at conclusion. There are mainly two type of Reasoning
in the research world.
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
Inductive research “involves the search for pattern from observation and the development of explanations –
theories – for those patterns through series of hypotheses”
Inductive research approach – The inductive research approach, when the premise is based on observation or
experience. It is explained moving from specific into generalisation. (C.George Thomas)
when researchers take an inductive approach, they start with a set of observations and then they move from those
particular experiences to a more general set of propositions about those experiences. In other words, they move
from data to theory, or from the specific to the general

Process of Inductive Research Approach in the Study

Observation/Research
Question/Specific level of Focus

Pattern/Look for data Analysis

Tentative Hypothesis

Develop Theory/General Level of


Focus

It is important to stress that inductive approach does not imply disregarding theories when formulating research
questions and objectives. This approach aims to generate meanings from the data set collected in order to identify
patterns and relationships to build a theory; however, inductive approach does not prevent the researcher from
using existing theory to formulate the research question to be explored.Inductive reasoning is based on learning
from experience. Patterns, resemblances and regularities in experience (premises) are observed in order to reach
conclusions (or to generate theory).
Application of Inductive Approach (Inductive Reasoning) in Business Research
Inductive reasoning begins with detailed observations of the world, which moves towards more abstract
generalisations and ideas. When following an inductive approach, beginning with a topic, a researcher tends to
develop empirical generalisations and identify preliminary relationships as he progresses through his research.
No hypotheses can be found at the initial stages of the research and the researcher is not sure about the type and
nature of the research findings until the study is completed.

Deductive Research Approach - When premise is based on theory, deductive is process of reasoning from
generalisation into specific. (C.George Thomas)
They start with a social theory that they find compelling and then test its implications with data. That is, they
move from a more general level to a more specific one. A deductive approach to research is the one that people
typically associate with scientific investigation. The researcher studies what others have done, reads existing
theories of whatever phenomenon he or she is studying, and then tests hypotheses that emerge from those theories
Process of Inductive Research Approach in the Study

Theory / General level of Focus

Hypothesis

Analysis of Data

Hypothesis Support or not/Specific Level


of Focus

It has been stated that “deductive means reasoning from the particular to the general. If a causal relationship or
link seems to be implied by a particular theory or case example, it might be true in many cases. A deductive
design might test to see if this relationship or link did obtain on more general circumstances”
Deductive approach can be explained by the means of hypotheses, which can be derived from the propositions
of the theory. In other words, deductive approach is concerned with deducting conclusions from premises or
propositions.
Deduction begins with an expected pattern “that is tested against observations, whereas induction begins with
observations and seeks to find a pattern within them”
Advantages of Deductive Approach
Deductive approach offers the following advantages:
a. Possibility to explain causal relationships between concepts and variables
b. Possibility to measure concepts quantitatively
c. Possibility to generalize research findings to a certain extent

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