Lecture Notes: Inductive vs. Deductive Research

Introduction

Focus on understanding the difference between inductive and deductive research.
Acknowledge the complexity of the concept and the importance of explaining it clearly.

Components of the Research Process:
1. Theory: Set of ideas explaining a social phenomenon.
2. Hypothesis: Testable prediction about relationships between variables.
3. Empirical Observations: Identifying and labeling elements in the social world.
4. Analysis: Using statistics and qualitative data to identify patterns and themes.
These components structure the research process.

Starting Point: Begins with a research question.
Process:
- Collect empirical data guided by the research question.
- Use the data to generate a testable or tentative hypothesis.
- Confirm this hypothesis with additional data.
- Formulate a social theory based on the data.
Example:
- Research question: How do undergraduate students view causes and solutions to homelessness?
- Approach involves collecting data from students, understanding their views, forming a hypothesis, and developing a theory.

Starting Point: Begins with a review of a specific social theory.
Process:
- Form a hypothesis based on the theory.
- Test this hypothesis through empirical data collection and analysis.
- Confirm or refute the hypothesis and possibly revise the theory.
Example:
- Research question involves perceptions of discrimination and psychological distress among young adults.
- Based on the stress process theory, formulate a hypothesis, conduct a survey, and analyze data to test and update the theory.

Inductive Research: Begins with data collection leading to theory development.
Deductive Research: Starts with a theory leading to data collection and hypothesis testing.

Understanding the starting point and approach to data and theory is crucial for distinguishing between inductive and deductive research.
Both methods contribute to the development and testing of social theories.