Deuctive Vs Inductive

While working on a research project, it is very important to decide which research approach would be best for your research. In order to support the process of methodology description, it is essential to follow the research paradigm with appropriate research approach. There are mainly two kinds of research approaches deductive and inductive. Understanding to these approaches is essential to increase the efficiency of the research study. Both the approaches are completely different from each other (shown in Figure). Deductive research approach is associated with the positivism paradigm, whereas inductive research approach is associated with interpretivism. Understanding of both approaches is essential to support the choice of appropriate research approach.

Deductive research approach allows the research to establish a hypothesis by using theory. Variety of data and information is collected by the researcher to confirm or reject the hypothesis to resolve issue (Gill and Johnson 2010). In the given figure, various steps of using deductive approach are development of theory, hypothesis, observation through data and information and confirmation. On the other hand, inductive approach is totally reverse form deductive approach. Observation, pattern, tentative hypothesis and theory (see figure) are important steps of the inductive approach.

Inductive research is a flexible approach because there is no requirement of pre-determined theory to collect data and information. The researcher uses observe data and facts to reach at tentative hypothesis and define a theory as per the research problem. This helps the research to give inductive arguments (Mertens 2008).

The deductive research approach is based on the general idea to reach at the specific situation and it is linked with the positivism paradigm, whereas, inductive approach works over a specific idea to generalize the situation as per the research topic, which is linked with the interpretivism paradigm (Crowther and Lancaster 2009). Saunders et al (2007) has asserted that by using both approaches it is very easy to estimate a logical and correct result but it is necessary for the research to combined correct piece of these approaches.

Inductive approach is highly associated with the interpretivism philosophy. Inductive approach allows the researcher to provide subjective reasoning with the help of various real life examples (Ridenour, Benz and Newman 2008). Deductive approach is linked with the positivism philosophy, which include hypothesis to prove assumptions. In this kind of approach it is necessary for the researcher to be general, but this research issue is specific and related to the development of human resources in the organization (Ritchie and Lewis 2003).

What is a Deductive Research Paper?

A deductive research paper is one that uses the technique of deductive logic to get to the conclusion. Deductive logic, also known as deductive reasoning is different from the normal methods. You have to understand the technique and what sets it apart from the others, in order to be able to apply it effectively.

It is usually taken for granted that the students are aware of this technique as it is the most basic method of reasoning. Hence teachers do not take any extra trouble to explain it in detail to the students. The truth is that everyone knows and uses deductive methods from the time they are capable of applying logic, even though they may not be aware of it as a technique. But the unawareness of the nature of the technique usually leads to misunderstanding and incorrect usage in deductive research paper assignments. Hence it is important to understand what it is all about and how exactly it works in order to apply it in your research paper.

You must be aware that research papers normally work on the most specific aspects of the topic and deals with the factors which are unique to the topic. But a deductive method is based on the most generalized aspect of the given object or subject. The reasoning method is very easy as general facts about research topics are usually known to all. But to draw the conclusion using a general or common aspect is quite challenging, if you are not sure of what deductive thinking is all about.

Even though the method sounds too complex and incomprehensible, it is the simple thinking or basic logic we use in our everyday lives without realizing it. Our each and every action is based on this simple method of logical reasoning. For example, when you are about to keep an egg on a high surface, your mind immediately resorts to deductive thinking:

1. All round objects are prone to rolling over- This emphasizes on the most basic aspect of an egg; an egg is round in shape.

2. The object I have in my hand is an egg - This relates the first point, the shape, to the object you are considering.

3. An egg is round in shape - Here you link the first two aspects you have presented.

4. The egg is prone to rolling over - here you reach the conclusion that the egg is prone to falling over, because it is round in shape.

This is the most basic use of logic you apply without actually being aware of it. But writing a research paper using this method involves use of more complex methods of deductive reasoning. It depends on the situation and the objective of your research paper. If you have read Sherlock Holmes, you will find the detective using deductive reasoning as the main tool of his investigation. But the practical application of logic is easier than expressing it in writing.

If you are not confident about writing your deductive research paper, you can opt for a custom research paper prepared according to the specifications and requirements.

What is a Deductive Argument?

A deductive argument is one in which it is impossible for the premises to be true but the conclusion false. Thus, the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises and inferences. In this way, it is supposed to be a definitive proof of the truth of the claim (conclusion). Here is a classic example:

1. All men are mortal. (premise)

2. Socrates was a man. (premise)

3. Socrates was mortal. (conclusion)

As you can see, if the premises are true (and they are), then it simply isn't possible for the conclusion to be false. If you have a deductive argument and you accept the truth of the premises, then you must also accept the truth of the conclusion; if you reject it, then you are rejecting logic itself.