Research Approaches

1. ResearchApproaches
Research approach can be divided into three types:
1. Deductive research approach
2. Inductive research approach
3. Abductive research approach
The relevance of hypotheses to the study is the main distinctive point between deductive and
inductive approaches.
Deductive approach tests the validity of assumptions (or theories/hypotheses) in hand, whereas
inductive approach contributes to the emergence of new theories and generalizations.
Abductive research, on the other hand, starts with ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ and the
research process is devoted their explanation.
The following table illustrates the major differences between deductive, inductive and abductive
research approaches in terms of logic, generalizability, use of data and theory.
Differences between Deductive, Inductive and Abductive approaches
Deduction Induction Abduction
Logic
Inadeductive inference,
when the premises are true,
the conclusion must also be
true
Inaninductive inference,
known premises are used
togenerate untested
conclusions
Inanabductive inference,
known premises are used
togenerate testable
conclusions
Generalizability
Generalising from the
general to the specific
Generalising from the
specific tothe general
Generalising from the
interactions between the
specific and the general
Useofdata
Data collection is used to
evaluate propositions or
hypotheses related toan
existing theory
Data collection is used to
explore a phenomenon,
identify themes and
patterns and create a
Data collection is used to
explore aphenomenon,
identify themes and
patterns, locate these in a
conceptual framework

2. conceptual framework and test this through
subsequent data
collection and soforth
Theory
Theory falsification or
verification
Theory generation and
building
Theory generation or
modification;
incorporating existing
theory where appropriate,
tobuild new theory or
modify existing theory
Deductive Research Approach
Deductive approach follow the following path:
Deductive process in research approach
Inductive Research Approach
Alternatively, inductive approach does not involve formulation of hypotheses. It starts with
research questions and aims and objectives that need to be achieved during the research process.
Inductive studies follow the route below:
Inductive process in research approach

3. Abductive Research Approach
In abductive approach, the research process is devoted to explanation of ‘incomplete
observations’, ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ specified at the beginning of the study.
Reference
1. Bryman A. & Bell, E. (2015) “Business Research Methods” 4th edition, Oxford
University Press, p.27
2. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business
Students” 6th edition, Pearson Education Limited