Inductive vs. Deductive Research Approach | Steps & Examples

The main difference between inductive and deductive reasoning is that inductive reasoning aims at developing a theory while deductive reasoning aims at testing an existing theory.

In other words, inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broad generalizations. Deductive reasoning works the other way around.

Both approaches are used in various types of research, and it’s not uncommon to combine them in your work.

Inductive research approach

When there is little to no existing literature on a topic, it is common to perform inductive research, because there is no theory to test. The inductive approach consists of three stages:

1. Observation
   • A low-cost airline flight is delayed
   • Dogs A and B have fleas
   • Elephants depend on water to exist
2. Seeking patterns
   • Another 20 flights from low-cost airlines are delayed
   • All observed dogs have fleas
   • All observed animals depend on water to exist
3. Developing a theory or general (preliminary) conclusion
   • Low cost airlines always have delays
   • All dogs have fleas
   • All biological life depends on water to exist

Limitations of an inductive approach

A conclusion drawn on the basis of an inductive method can never be fully proven. However, it can be invalidated.

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Deductive research approach

When conducting deductive research, you always start with a theory. This is usually the result of inductive research. Reasoning deductively means testing these theories. Remember that if there is no theory yet, you cannot conduct deductive research.

The deductive research approach consists of four stages:

1. Start with an existing theory and create a problem statement
   • Low cost airlines always have delays
   • All dogs have fleas
   • All biological life depends on water to exist
2. Formulate a falsifiable hypothesis, based on existing theory
   • If passengers fly with a low cost airline, then they will always experience delays
   • All pet dogs in my apartment building have fleas
   • All land mammals depend on water to exist
3. Collect data to test the hypothesis
   • Collect flight data of low-cost airlines
   • Test all dogs in the building for fleas
   • Study all land mammal species to see if they depend on water
4. Analyze and test the data
   • 5 out of 100 flights of low-cost airlines are not delayed
   • 10 out of 20 dogs didn’t have fleas
   • All land mammal species depend on water
5. Decide whether you can reject the null hypothesis
   • 5 out of 100 flights of low-cost airlines are not delayed = reject hypothesis
   • 10 out of 20 dogs didn’t have fleas = reject hypothesis
   • All land mammal species depend on water = support hypothesis

Limitations of a deductive approach

The conclusions of deductive reasoning can only be true if all the premises set in the inductive study are true and the terms are clear.

Combining inductive and deductive research

Many scientists conducting a larger research project begin with an inductive study. This helps them develop a relevant research topic and construct a strong working theory. The inductive study is followed up with deductive research to confirm or invalidate the conclusion. This can help you formulate a more structured project, and better mitigate the risk of research bias creeping into your work.

Remember that both inductive and deductive approaches are at risk for research biases, particularly confirmation bias and cognitive bias, so it’s important to be aware while you conduct your research.

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Frequently asked questions about inductive vs deductive reasoning

What’s the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning is a bottom-up approach, while deductive reasoning is top-down.

Inductive reasoning takes you from the specific to the general, while in deductive reasoning, you make inferences by going from general premises to specific conclusions.

What is inductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning is a method of drawing conclusions by going from the specific to the general. It’s usually contrasted with deductive reasoning, where you proceed from general information to specific conclusions.

Inductive reasoning is also called inductive logic or bottom-up reasoning.

What is deductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning is a logical approach where you progress from general ideas to specific conclusions. It’s often contrasted with inductive reasoning, where you start with specific observations and form general conclusions.

Deductive reasoning is also called deductive logic.

What’s the difference between exploratory and explanatory research?

Exploratory research aims to explore the main aspects of an under-researched problem, while explanatory research aims to explain the causes and consequences of a well-defined problem.

When should I use explanatory research?

Explanatory research is used to investigate how or why a phenomenon occurs. Therefore, this type of research is often one of the first stages in the research process, serving as a jumping-off point for future research.

When should I use exploratory research?

Exploratory research is often used when the issue you’re studying is new or when the data collection process is challenging for some reason.

You can use exploratory research if you have a general idea or a specific question that you want to study but there is no preexisting knowledge or paradigm with which to study it.

What is a research project?

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question. Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal, experimental, or correlational. What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.