M RahmanDifferences between deductive and inductive approaches to research
This article aims to identify and explain some of the differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research. One of the most important issues in research is the research approach. Researchers usually use one of the two widely known research approaches i.e. deductive and inductive. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and impact on many aspects of a study.
What is deductive approach (research)?
According to Gratton and Jones (2009) deductive approach involves testing of a pre-determined theory, explanation or hypothesis. This approach helps researchers ascertain a hypothesis by using existing theories. Existing information is dissected to accept or reject the hypothesis in order to achieve the research aims.
How to conduct deductive research?
The deductive research process begins with the researcher formulating a hypothesis or a set of assumptions about the chosen topic of study. They then collect data related to the study and use that data to test the hypothesis. The data is then analysed to see if the hypothesis is supported or refuted. If the hypothesis is supported, the researcher can then use the data to draw conclusions about the study.
Advantages of deductive approach (research)
Deductive research is a focused method of testing hypotheses. It offers a possibility to explain causal relationships between the concepts and the variables. This type of research is often quicker to conduct as well.
A key feature of deductive research is that the conclusions are based on logical reasoning and the data used to support the hypothesis. This means that the conclusions are based on evidence rather than personal opinion or speculation.
Disadvantages of deductive approach (research)
Some critics would argue that this approach does not encourage divergent thinking. It may also limit the scope of creativities.
According to Hammond (2016) one of the problems with deductive research is that it is accused of making an assumption that all disciplines in natural science function the same way when they actually do not.
What is inductive approach (research)?
According to Gratton and Jones (2009) inductive approach generates the explanation from the data collected. It is the opposite of deductive research. It aims at exploring a new theory. It is about moving from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories.
How to conduct inductive research?
The inductive research process begins with researchers collecting data that is relevant to their selected topics. Once a considerable amount of data has been gathered, they look for patterns in the data, with a view to developing theories that could explain those patterns.
From the collected data, the researchers need to identify the key words which then can be used to develop new themes/theories. Keywords are taken from the interview/focus group transcripts.
Advantages of inductive approach (research)
Inductive research is flexible as the researcher does not have to follow any pre-determined information. It supports the generation of new theories.
Disadvantages of inductive approach (research)
Critics would argue that if observations are incorrect, the inductive researchers would end up in incorrect conclusions. Conducting research in line with this approach may sometimes be very time-consuming as well.
Differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research
There are some differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research. In deductive approach, researchers begin the process by considering past and present theories concerning the topic of the research. This helps them develop some hypothesises. The new hypotheses can then be tested in the process of conducting a new study. The collected data should either confirm or reject the hypotheses.
On the other hand, relevant theories are not considered at the beginning of an inductive research. In this approach, clusters of data or patterns start emerging from the observations or measures conducted by the researchers. From these patterns, the researcher begins to generate new themes.
In terms of aims, there are some differences between the two as well. For example, the aim of a deductive research is testing an existing theory, while the aim of an inductive research is developing a theory.
Likewise, the sample size makes a difference as well. For instance, a deductive approach requires a big sample size to generalise conclusions, unlike an inductive approach. Depending on the time and objectives, deductive researchers may have to send questionnaires to 30 to many hundred respondents.
It should be noted that deductive approach is usually adopted by researchers conducting quantitative research, while inductive approach is usually adopted by researchers conducting qualitative research.
Combining deductive and inductive approaches to research
The discussion so far seems to depict that deductive and inductive approaches to research are entirely different from each other and cannot be combined. However, Saunders et al. (2018) opine that such position is misleading, and researchers can perfectly combine both.
However, if researchers do not have enough time and resources, it may be difficult to apply both approaches in their studies. In this case, selecting one approach is the best way forward.
Research techniques for deductive and inductive Research
There are a variety of research techniques that can be used when conducting deductive and inductive research. For example, questionnaires are often used for quantitative studies, while interviews and focus groups are used for qualitative studies.
It is important to note that each research technique has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, questionnaires are quick and easy to administer; however, they can be limited in their scope. On the other hand, interviews help researchers understand the beliefs and views of the respondents; however, they could be time-consuming.
Summary of differences between deductive and inductive approaches to research
Deductive and inductive research are two distinct methods used in the scientific world to arrive at a conclusion. Deductive research relies on existing data to draw a conclusion, while inductive research works from the ground up, and eventually develop new theories.
In a nutshell, both deductive and inductive approaches play an important role in research. Therefore, it is imperative that the researchers make themselves aware of the differences between the two and how they impact on other aspects of their research.
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Last update: 03 March 2023
References:
Gratton, C. And Jones, I. (2009) Research Methods for Sports Studies, 2nd edition, London: Routledge
Hammond, M. (2016) inductive or deductive approaches, available at: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/ces/research/current/socialtheory/maps/when/ (accessed 03 March 2023)
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2018) Research Methods for Business Students, 8th edition, London: Prentice Hall
Author: M Rahman
M Rahman writes extensively online and offline with an emphasis on business management, marketing, and tourism. He is a lecturer in Management and Marketing. He holds an MSc in Tourism & Hospitality from the University of Sunderland. Also, graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a BA in Business & Management Studies and completed a DTLLS (Diploma in Teaching in the Life-Long Learning Sector) from London South Bank University.
