What is the main difference between deductive and inductive research?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the fundamental distinctions between deductive and inductive research methodologies. Deductive research typically involves developing a hypothesis based on existing theory and then testing it against empirical data, while inductive research involves gathering data and developing a theory based on patterns observed in that data.
Answer
Inductive research develops theories from specific observations; deductive research tests existing theories.
The main difference between deductive and inductive research is that inductive research derives generalizations from specific observations, creating new theories, while deductive research tests existing theories by starting with a hypothesis and using observations to confirm or refute it.
Answer for screen readers
The main difference between deductive and inductive research is that inductive research derives generalizations from specific observations, creating new theories, while deductive research tests existing theories by starting with a hypothesis and using observations to confirm or refute it.
More Information
Deductive research is often characterized as 'theory-testing,' while inductive research is 'theory-generating.' These approaches are pivotal in research, influencing the way data is collected and analyzed.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing the direction of reasoning: deductive goes from general to specific, while inductive goes from specific to general.
Sources
- Inductive vs Deductive Research Approach | Steps & Examples - scribbr.com
- Inductive vs Deductive Research: Two Approaches to Data Analysis - mindthegraph.com
- 5 Key Differences: Inductive vs Deductive Research - Centilio.com - centilio.com
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