Deductive Research: A Definition
Deductive research is a top-down approach to research where you start with a general theory or hypothesis and then test it with specific observations or data. Think of it as moving from the general to the specific.
Here's a breakdown:
* Starts with a theory: You begin with a pre-existing theory or hypothesis that you want to test.
* Formulates predictions: Based on the theory, you make specific, testable predictions about what you expect to find in your data.
* Collects data: You collect data relevant to your predictions through observation, experiments, or surveys.
* Analyzes data: You analyze the collected data to see if it supports or contradicts your predictions.
* Draws conclusions: Based on the analysis, you draw conclusions about whether your initial theory is supported by the evidence or needs to be revised.
Key Characteristics:
* Theory-driven: Focuses on testing existing theories and hypotheses.
* Predictive: Aims to predict outcomes based on existing knowledge.
* Quantitative: Often uses quantitative data analysis methods (e.g., statistics).
* Objective: Strives for objective, unbiased results.
Example:
A researcher believes that increased exposure to sunlight improves mood. This is the starting theory. They then formulate a specific prediction: people who spend more time outdoors will report higher levels of happiness. They conduct a survey to collect data on people's outdoor time and mood. Finally, they analyze the data to see if there's a positive correlation between outdoor time and reported happiness.
In contrast to inductive research, which starts with specific observations and builds a theory, deductive research starts with a theory and tests it with specific observations. It's a crucial approach for testing existing knowledge and furthering our understanding of the world.