He Inductive method and the deductive method Are two approaches opposed to investigation . Each method has its advantages and its use will depend on the situation to be investigated, the field you want to study or the approach you want to have.
Deductive reasoning works by working from the most general to the most specific. You can begin by thinking of a theory on some topic of interest. It then boils down to some specific hypothesis that you want to test.
On the other hand, the inductive method works in the opposite way: it starts from the most specific to the generalizations and broader theories. In inductive reasoning, we begin with specific observations and measures to arrive at some general conclusions.
These two methods are very different and offer different elements when carrying out an investigation. By its nature, the inductive method allows to be more flexible and lends itself to the exploration, mainly at the beginning. The deductive method is more closed by nature and is more oriented to test or confirm hypotheses.
Although some particular study seems purely deductive, as an experiment designed to test the hypothetical effects of some treatment or outcome, most social research requires both deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.
In almost all studies it is likely that both processes have been resorted to at some point. Even in the most closed experiments, researchers can observe patterns in the information that can lead them to develop new theories.
Concept of inductive method and deductive method
Inductive method
Inductive reasoning is the reasoning in which premises are viewed as a way of providing strong evidence for the truthfulness of a conclusion.
While the conclusion of an inductive argument is certain, the truth of that conclusion in an inductive argument is likely, based on the evidence provided.
Many sources may define the inductive method as one in which general principles are derived from specific observations.
In this method, broad generalizations are made from specific observations, so it can be said that it goes from the specific to the general. Many observations are made, a pattern is perceived, a generalization is made, and an explanation or a theory is inferred.
This method is also used in the scientific method; Scientists use it to form hypotheses and theories. Deductive reasoning allows them to apply theories or assumptions to specific situations. An example of a deductive reasoning may be as follows:
All known biological life forms depend on liquid water to exist. Therefore, if we discover a new biological life form it will depend on liquid water to exist.
This argument could be made every time a biological form of life is found and would be correct. However, it would be possible in the future to find a biological life form that does not require liquid water.
Types of inductive reasoning
Generalization
Generalization comes from a premise on a sample from which a conclusion about a population is reached.
For example, let's say there are 20 balls, which can be white or black, in a jar. To estimate their number, a sample of four balls is drawn - three are black and one is white. If we use inductive generalization, we could conclude that there are 15 black balls and 5 white balls in the jar.
This premise has a bias since it is taking a small sample of a larger population.
Statistical syllogism
Statistical syllogism originates from a generalization to a conclusion about an individual. For example:
- A proportion Q of population P has an attribute A.
- An individual X is a member of P.
Therefore, there is a probability corresponding to Q that X has A.
Simple induction
It comes from a premise of a small sample to a conclusion about another individual:
- A proportion Q of the known population P has an attribute A.
- Individual I is a member of P.
Hence there is a probability corresponding to Q that I has A.
Argument from analogy
This process involves taking into account the shared properties of one or more things and from there infer that they also share other properties. So:
- P and Q are similar with respect to properties a, b and c.
- It has been observed that object P has an x property.
Then Q probably also has the property x.
Casual inference
A casual inference draws a conclusion about a causal connection based on the conditions of the existence of an effect.
Premises on the correlation of two things may indicate a causal relationship between them, but other factors must be established to be confirmed.
Prediction
We come to a conclusion about an individual future from a past sample.
Deductive method
In this process reasoning starts from one or more statements to arrive at a conclusion. The deduction connects the premises with the conclusions; If all premises are true, the terms are clear and the rules of deduction are used, the conclusion must be true.
In a deduction, one begins with a general argument or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to arrive at a specific and logical conclusion. He scientific method Uses deduction to test hypotheses and theories.
An example of a deductive argument is as follows:
- All men are mortal.
- The individual x is a man.
Therefore, the individual x is mortal.
Types of deductive reasoning
Law of detachment
A single statement is made and a hypothesis (P) is proposed. The conclusion (Q) is deduced from this argument and its hypothesis:
- P → Q (conditional statement)
- P (hypothesis is proposed)
- Q (conclusion is deduced)
For this reason, it can be said that:
- If an angle satisfies 90 °
- A = 120 °
A is an obtuse angle.
Law of syllogism
In this law two conditional arguments are established and a conclusion is formed by combining the hypothesis of one argument with the conclusion of another. For example:
- If Pedro is ill, he does not go to school.
- If Pedro does not go to school, he will miss the task.
Then, if Peter is sick, the task will be lost.
Positive counter law
This law states that, on a conditional, if the conclusion is false then the hypothesis must be false as well. An example of this law would be:
- If it is raining, then there are no clouds in the sky.
- There are no clouds in the sky.
Then it is not raining.
Differences between both methods
The main difference between the two methods is the approach to research. While the deductive method is oriented to test theories, the inductive method is more oriented towards the creation of new theories that arise from the data or the information.
Generally, the inductive method is associated with qualitative information since it is usually subject to subjectivity, is more open, is inductive, is more process oriented, is comparative and description is narrative.
On the other hand, the deductive method is usually associated with Quantitative investigation , Such as deduction, objectivity, numerical estimation and statistical interference. It is also usually more result oriented.
A deductive method usually begins with a hypothesis, while the inductive will usually use research questions to surround or focus on the field of study.
For deductive methods, the emphasis is generally on causality, while on its counterpart the idea is to focus on exploring new phenomena or discovering new perspectives on phenomena already investigated.
The most important point when considering the use of the inductive method or deductive method is to explore the general purpose of the research.
Then, the most appropriate methods to test a certain hypothesis, to explore a new or emerging idea within the discipline or to answer specific research questions should be considered.
Projects can have various approaches and perspectives; The method used is a determining factor in the research angle.
References
- Deduction & Induction. (2006) Foundations. Retrieved from socialresearchmethods.net.
- Deductive Reasoning Vs. Inductive Reasoning (2015) Culture. Retrieved from livescience.com.
- Inductive and deductive approaches to research (2013) Recovered from deborahgabriel.com.
- Inductive Approach (Inductive Reasoning) Retrieved from research-methodology.net.
- Deductive Approach (Deductive Reasoning) Retrieved from research-methodology.net.
- Deductive reasoning. Retrieved from Wikipedia.org.
- Inductive reasoning. Retrieved from Wikipedia.org.