(https://research-methodology.

net/)

Deductive Approach (Deductive

Reasoning)
A deductive approach is concerned with “developing a hypothesis
(or hypotheses) based on existing theory, and then designing a
research strategy to test the hypothesis”[1]
It has been stated that “deductive means reasoning from the
particular to the general. If a causal relationship or link seems to be
implied by a particular theory or case example, it might be true in
many cases. A deductive design might test to see if this relationship
or link did obtain on more general circumstances”[2].

Deductive approach can be explained by the means of hypotheses,

which can be derived from the propositions of the theory. In other
words, deductive approach is concerned with deducting conclusions
from premises or propositions.
Deduction begins with an expected pattern “that is tested against
observations, whereas induction begins with observations and seeks
 to find a pattern within them”[3].

Advantages of Deductive Approach

Deductive approach offers the following advantages:
1. Possibility to explain causal relationships between concepts and
variables
2. Possibility to measure concepts quantitatively
3. Possibility to generalize research findings to a certain extent

Alternative to deductive approach is  inductive approach. 

(http://research-methodology.net/research-methodology/research-
approach/inductive-approach-2/)The table below guides the choice of
specific approach depending on circumstances:

  Deductive approach Inductive approach

preferred preferred

Wealth of Abundance of sources Scarcity of sources

literature

Time Short time available to There is no shortage of

availability complete the study time to compete the
study

Risk To avoid risk Risk is accepted, no

theory may emerge at
all

Choice between deductive and inductive approaches

Deductive research approach explores a known theory or
phenomenon and tests if that theory is valid in given circumstances.
It has been noted that “the deductive approach follows the path of
logic most closely. The reasoning starts with a theory and leads to a
new hypothesis. This hypothesis is put to the test by confronting it
with observations that either lead to a confirmation or a rejection of
the hypothesis”[4].

Moreover, deductive reasoning can be explained as “reasoning from

the general to the particular”[5], whereas inductive reasoning is the
 opposite. In other words, deductive approach involves formulation
of hypotheses and their subjection to testing during the research
process, while inductive studies do not deal with hypotheses in any
ways.

Application of Deductive
Approach (Deductive Reasoning)
in Business Research
In studies with deductive approach, the researcher formulates a set
of hypotheses at the start of the research. Then, relevant research
methods are chosen and applied to test the hypotheses to prove them
right or wrong.

Generally, studies using deductive approach follow the following

stages:
1. Deducing hypothesis from theory.

2. Formulating  hypothesis in operational terms and proposing

relationships between two specific variables
3. Testing  hypothesis with the application of relevant method(s).
These are quantitative methods such as regression and correlation
analysis, mean, mode and median and others.
4. Examining  the outcome of the test, and thus confirming or
rejecting the theory. When analysing the outcome of tests, it is
important to compare research findings with the literature review
findings.
5. Modifying theory in instances when hypothesis is not confirmed.

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
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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-
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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] Wilson J (2010) “Essentials of Business Research: A Guide to
[1] Wilson, J. (2010) Essentials of Business Research: A Guide to
Doing Your Research Project” SAGE Publications, p.7
[2] Gulati, PM, 2009, Research Management: Fundamental and
Applied Research, Global India Publications, p.42
[3] Babbie, E. R. (2010) “The Practice of Social Research” Cengage
Learning, p.52
[4] Snieder, R. & Larner, K. (2009) “The Art of Being a Scientist: A
Guide for Graduate Students and their Mentors”, Cambridge
University Press, p.16
[5] Pelissier, R. (2008) “Business Research Made Easy” Juta & Co., p.3