Overview of Module

2.5. Based on Approach or Framework

These types reflect the philosophical stance or framework guiding the research process.

a) Inductive Research

• Inductive Research is a research approach that begins with specific observations or data and works toward general conclusions or theories.
• This method is often referred to as a bottom-up approach, as it starts with the details and seeks to build broader patterns, generalizations, or theories from these observations.
• Inductive research is primarily associated with qualitative research and is typically used in exploratory studies where existing theories or models may not be fully developed or applicable.
• Purpose: To build theories or hypotheses from observations or data.
• Approach: Data is gathered first, and patterns or theories are developed based on the observed data.
• Example: Exploring how new social media platforms influence young people's behavior without prior hypotheses.
• Methods: Qualitative methods, grounded theory.
• Inductive Research is a valuable approach for building theories and understanding phenomena from the ground up. It allows researchers to explore data freely and identify patterns that may lead to the development of new theories or concepts.
• However, it also comes with challenges such as limited generalizability, subjectivity, and time consumption.
• Despite these limitations, it remains an essential method for qualitative research, especially in areas where little is known, and new theories need to be developed.

b) Deductive Research

• Deductive Research is a research approach that starts with a theory or hypothesis and then tests it through observations or experiments.
• This approach is often described as a top-down method, where the researcher begins with a general statement or theory and works toward specific conclusions or observations.
• Unlike inductive research, which builds theories from data, deductive research is focused on testing or validating existing theories or hypotheses.
• Purpose: To test existing theories or hypotheses.
• Approach: Starts with a theory or hypothesis, then designs a study to test whether it holds true in a particular context.
• Methods: Quantitative methods, hypothesis testing, experimental research.
• Example:
  • Testing whether a specific marketing strategy will increase sales, based on previous research.
  • A researcher studying the impact of sleep on cognitive performance might begin with the theory that "increased sleep leads to improved cognitive function" and then test this theory through experiments.
  • A psychologist might test the hypothesis that stress negatively affects memory recall, based on established theories about stress and cognitive function.
  • A clinical trial testing the hypothesis that a new medication will reduce the symptoms of depression in patients.
• Deductive Research is a powerful method for testing established theories or hypotheses, offering precision, efficiency, and the ability to validate or challenge existing knowledge.
• However, it may be limited in its flexibility and exploration of new ideas.
• Researchers use deductive research to confirm, refine, or challenge theories in a structured and systematic manner, especially when the goal is to validate hypotheses or draw conclusions based on established theories.