Inductive research

This presentation provides novice researchers with basic distinctions on research methodology and on the theoretical frameworks that are available for conducting sound and grounded research.

1. Inductive Research by Mariam Bedraoui Master Student Moroccan American Studies Hassan II University Casablanca

2. Induction: A Research Reasoning Method Inductive Research provides an alternative approach to theory. Theory does not guide and influence the collection of data, but rather it is derived from the analysis of the collected data. Inductive reasoning generates broad generalizations from specific observations.

3. Inductive Research: A Theoretical Framework Qualitative Approaches: Focus on natural settings In-depth understandings of variations and relationships among social phenomena presented in the form of soft data. Interpretive perspective: Interpret phenomena “in terms of the meaning people bring to them.” ( Denzin 1989) Exploratory Motives : No prior knowledge about a phenomenon. A need for an initial exploration of recurrent patterns and concepts in a research area. Flexible Designs: Study design is iterative. Data collection and research questions are adjusted to what is learned.

4. Implementing induction Generating theory from specific observations is a studious process of data collection, analysis and conceptualization. Research literature offers different frameworks for conducting systemic induction. The frameworks supply the researchers with different terms for the approximately the same analytical phases

5. Implementing Induction Describing Data Classifying Data Connecting Concepts Tasks Tools and Strategies Outcomes Collecting data Participant observation In- depth interviews Focus groups Sampling Field notes Audio/ Video recordings Transcripts Examining data Highlight points in the text Write comments on the margin Write reflections on the data Identifying common themes Contextualise and annotate data Provide references to related literature

6. Implementing Induction Describing Data Classifying Data Connecting Concepts Tasks: the researcher has to organise data in an invented but systemic way identify major categories in the data. These categories have to be both inclusive and exclusive Strategies: the researcher needs to summarise the data experiment with a number of formulations tabulate categories on a chart construct figures sketch diagrams

7. Implementing Induction Describing Data Classifying Data Connecting Concepts

8. Inductive Research: Limitations

9. Inductive Research: Strengths

10. Inductive Research Methods: A case Study

11. Conclusion Inductive reasoning in science is sometimes contrasted with deduction or, more properly, the hypothetic- deductive method. However, induction and deduction may be better considered as complementary components of scientific reasoning. Philosophers of science have argued that the problem of induction can be overcome partly by incorporating inductive and deductive reasoning within the practice of science.

12. References Bowen, G. (2008). Naturalistic inquiry and the saturation concept: a research note.  Qualitative Research.  8 (1), 137-152 Dey , I. (1993).  Qualitative data analysis: A user-friendly guide for social scientists . London: New York, NY. Denzin , N. K. (1989).  Interpretive biography . Qualitative research methods, v. 17. Newbury Park: Sage. Fitzpatrick, J. J., & Wallace, M. (2006).  Encyclopaedia of nursing research . New York: Springer Pub. Given, L. M. (Ed.). (2008). The Sage Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research . Los Angeles: Sage Publications. Gratton , C., & Jones, I. (2004).  Research methods for sport studies . London: Routledge . Kothari, C. R. (1990).  Research methodology: Methods and techniques . New Delhi: Wiley Eastern. Polit , F. Denise & Cheryl Tatano Beck. (2003). Nursing Research: Principles and Methods (7 th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Top of Form Strauss, A. L., & Corbin, J. M. (1990).  Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques . Newbury Park, Calif : Sage Publications.   http://www.fhi.org/NR/rdonlyres/etl7vogszehu5s4stpzb3tyqlpp7rojv4waq37elpbyei3tgmc4ty6dunbccfzxtaj2rvbaubzmz4f/overview1.pdf http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualapp.php Deductive Research Case Study:  http://eca.state.gov/forum/vols/vol38/no4/p26.htm Inductive Research Case Study: http://rel.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/37/3/308