Lecture on Characteristics and Process of Science: Deductive and Inductive Inquiries

Systematic Grading and Science

Scenario 1: Instructor uses a systematic process for grading papers.
- Adds up points, checks consistency with the rubric, verifies calculations.
- This systematic approach lends credibility and minimizes personal biases.
Scenario 2: Instructor provides no explanation for grading.
- Based on subjective interpretation of students' knowledge.
- Lacks a systematic approach, leading to potential bias.
In science, a systematic approach is preferred, similar to the first scenario.

Science often follows principles of logical reasoning: deductive and inductive.
Deductive Reasoning:
- Conclusion necessarily follows if the evidence is true.
- Example: Sherlock Holmes reasoning about the dog's behavior to deduce innocence.
Inductive Reasoning:
- Conclusion is uncertain even if the evidence is true.
- Example: Observing a pattern (e.g., stomachache from soft drinks) to infer a conclusion.

Deductive Logic: Top-down approach from theory to data.
- Researchers deduce hypotheses from theory, then test with data.
Inductive Logic: Bottom-up approach from data to theory.
- Researchers infer generalizations from observations.

Deductive Example: Dixon and Rosenbaum's study on racial prejudice.
- Hypotheses deduced from Allport's theory regarding contact and stereotypes.
- Data analysis showed mixed support for the theory.
Inductive Example: Annette Lareau's study on child-rearing and class.
- Data collected through observation and interviews.
- Developed a theory of childrearing: "concerted cultivation" vs "accomplishment of natural growth."

Researchers often use both deductive and inductive reasoning.
Example: Emile Durkheim's study on suicide.
- Started with existing psychological theories, ended with a social theory of integration.
- Deductive reasoning (hypotheses about insanity and suicide) didn't hold.
- Inductive patterns led to the theory of social integration.

Deductive Inquiry:
- Provides focus but may lead to "tunnel vision."
Inductive Inquiry:
- Allows theory development but can have multiple interpretations.

Deductive and inductive reasoning are essential skills in research and everyday life, useful for various fields like law, academia, and social sciences.
Analytical reasoning tests (e.g., LSAT) often assess these skills, providing practice in forming logical conclusions from given premises.