Research Approach

In the field of science different researchers may assign different meanings for the team research
approach. In some publications you may see that research approach may imply methods of data
collection and data analysis in general and differences between qualitative and quantitative methods
in particular.

However, in our view research approach is best seen as a general plan and procedure for
conducting the study. Accordingly, approach for the research can be divided into three categories:

1. Deductive approach
2. Inductive approach
3. 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, generaliability, use of data and theory.[2]

  Deduction Induction Abduction

In a deductive
In an abductive inference,
inference, In an inductive inference,
known
when the premises are known premises are used
Logic premises are used to
to generate untested
generate testable
true, the conclusion conclusions
conclusions
must also be true

Generalising from the

Generalising from the Generalising from the
Generalizability interactions between the
general to the specific specific to the general
specific and the general

Data collection is used to

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

  Theory falsification or Theory generation and Theory generation or

verification building modification;
  
incorporating existing
theory where
Theory
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, 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 me explain the research approach for a following study:

Effects of labour migration within the EU on the formation of multicultural teams in Dutch private
sector organizations

Deductive Approach 
If you have formulated a set of hypotheses for your dissertation that need to be confirmed or rejected
during the research process you would be following a deductive approach. In deductive 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:

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 Dutch private sector organizations using a
deductive approach:

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

in Dutch private sector organizations

The whole research process will be devoted to testing this hypothesis. The hypothesis will be proved
right or wrong by the end of the research process.

 Inductive 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:

Inductive process in research approach

 

Referring to the example above, the effects of labour migration within the EU on the formation of
multicultural teams in Dutch private sector organizations can be assessed through finding answers
to the following research questions:

Research question: How does labour migration within the EU effect the formation of multicultural
teams in Dutch private sector organizations?
The research process will focus on finding answer to this research question. Answer to the research
question to be found by the end of the research process will imply generating a new theory related to
the research problem.

Abductive 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 same research
topic, you may observe that labour migration within the EU was actually decreasing the extent of
cross-cultural differences within teams in Dutch private sector organizations.

In this case 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 contains discussions of theory and application of research approaches. The e-book also
explains all stages of the research process starting from the selection of the research area to
writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as research
philosophy, research design, methods of data collection, data analysis and sampling are explained
in this e-book in simple words.

John Dudovskiy

[1] Bryman A. & Bell, E. (2015) “Business Research Methods” 4 th 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