Inductive vs. Deductive Research

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Date Deductive and Inductive Methods of Research Edit Name

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Deductive and Inductive Methods of Research In the quest for logical , supportable and verifiable scientific answers there are two basic methods of reasoning used to approach the subject matter to be studied . These are known as the deductive and the inductive approaches . The two approaches provide quite different lines of attack when attempting to prove or disprove social theories . The information that is gathered is used

by social work researchers as supporting evidence to establish connections between theories and empirical data . Rafael Engel and Russell Schutt , The Practice of Research in Social Work , explain "Theories help us understand how social problems emerge they guide us in the design of interventions to help individuals , groups or communities (Rafael .Schutt .2005 .p .39

In the case of deductive reasoning studies the research is begun from a theoretical basis , focused on a , and then narrowed to an `If-Then ' hypotheses that can be tested . Research is conducted to gather data through observations , to confirm or disprove the hypotheses Inductive reasoning is in a sense a reverse study , as it is through observations made that have initially picked up on certain trends , or established regularities that the hypotheses or theory is developed . In the field of Social work research it is not at all uncommon to utilize both methods of research , and Engel and Schutt refer to this as the Research Circle (2005 .p .45 . Research often...