(https://research-methodology.

net/)

Research Approach
Research approach can be divided into three types:

1. Deductive research approach (https://research-methodology.net/research-

methodology/research-approach/deductive-approach-2/)
2. Inductive research approach (https://research-methodology.net/research-
methodology/research-approach/inductive-approach-2/)
3. Abductive research approach (https://research-methodology.net/research-
methodology/research-approach/abductive-reasoning-abductive-approach/)

The relevance of hypotheses to the study is the main distinctive point between deductive and
inductive approaches. Deductive approach tests the validity of assumptions (or
theories/hypotheses) in hand, whereas inductive approach contributes to the emergence of new
theories and generalizations. Abductive research, on the other hand, starts with ‘surprising facts’
or ‘puzzles’ and the research process is devoted their explanation.[1]

The following table illustrates the major differences between deductive, inductive and abductive
research approaches in terms of logic, generalizability, use of data and theory.[2]

Deduction Induction Abduction

(https://research- (https://research- (https://research-
methodology.net/research- methodology.net/research- methodology.net/research-
methodology/research- methodology/research- methodology/research-
approach/deductive- approach/inductive- approach/abductive-
approach-2/) approach-2/) reasoning-abductive-
approach/)
 Generalizability Generalising from the Generalising from the Generalising from the
general to the specific specific to the general interactions between the
specific and the general

Use of data Data collection is used to
evaluate propositions or
hypotheses related to an
existing theory
Data collection is used to
explore a phenomenon,
identify themes and
patterns and create a
conceptual framework
Data collection is used to
explore a phenomenon,
identify themes and
patterns, locate these in a
conceptual framework
and test this through
subsequent data collection
and so forth

Theory Theory falsification or Theory generation and Theory generation or

verification building modification;
incorporating existing
theory where
appropriate, to build new
theory or modify existing
theory

Differences between dedictive, inductive and abductive approaches

Discussion of research approach is a vital part of any scientific study regardless of the research
area. Within the methodology chapter of your dissertation to you need to explain the main
differences between inductive, deductive and abductive approaches. Also, you need to specify the
approach you have adopted for your research by breaking down your arguments into several
points.

Let’s illustrate the application of each research approach for a following study:

Effects of labour migration within the EU on the formation of multicultural teams in UK

organizations
approach, the effects of labour migration within the EU are assessed by developing hypotheses
that are tested during the research process.

Dissertations with deductive approach follow the following path:

(https://research-methodology.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Research-approach.png)

Deductive process in research approach

The following hypotheses can be developed in order to assess the effects of labour migration
within the EU on the formation of multicultural teams in UK organizations using a deductive
approach:

Hypothesis: Labour migration within the EU contributes to the formation of multicultural

teams in UK

Inductive Research Approach

Alternatively, inductive approach does not involve formulation of hypotheses. It starts with
research questions and aims and objectives that need to be achieved during the research process.

Inductive studies follow the route below:

following research questions:

Research question: How does labour migration within the EU effect the formation of
multicultural teams in UK?

Abductive Research Approach

In abductive approach, the research process is devoted to explanation of ‘incomplete
observations’, ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ specified at the beginning of the study. Referring to
the research topic of the effects of labour migration on the formation of multicultural teams in
the UK discussed above, you may observe that labour migration within the EU was actually
decreasing the extent of cross-cultural differences within teams in the UK.

Then, your study can be devoted to the explanation of this phenomenon by using qualitative
and/or quantitative methods of data collection and data analysis in an integrated manner

My e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step
assistance (https://research-methodology.net/about-us/ebook/) contains discussions of theory
and application of research approaches. The e-book also explains all stages of the research
process (https://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/research-process/) starting
from the selection of the research area (https://research-methodology.net/research-
methodology/selecting-research-area/) to writing personal reflection. Important elements of
dissertations such as research philosophy (https://research-methodology.net/research-
philosophy/), research design (https://research-methodology.net/research-
methodology/research-design/), methods of data collection (https://research-
methodology.net/research-methods/data-collection/), data analysis (https://research-
methodology.net/research-methods/data-analysis/) and sampling (https://research-
methodology.net/sampling-in-primary-data-collection/) are explained in this e-book in simple
words.

John Dudovskiy
(https://research-methodology.net/about-us/ebook/)

[1] Bryman A. & Bell, E. (2015) “Business Research Methods” 4th edition, Oxford University
Press, p.27

[2] Source: Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business
Students” 6th edition, Pearson Education Limited