A brief note on the three research approaches (reasoning)

A brief note on the three research approaches (reasoning) (information from perplexity.ai)

My question 1: "What are the main types of research approach (reasoning) all about with reference to the MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects?"

The reply: "The main types of research approaches (reasoning) relevant to MBA and Housing Studies dissertation projects are:

1. Deductive Approach: This starts with a general theory or hypothesis and tests whether this applies to specific cases. It is often linked with quantitative research where hypotheses are tested with data.

2. Inductive Approach: It begins with collecting data and observing patterns which then lead to the development of theories. This is commonly linked with qualitative research.

3. Abductive Approach: This involves starting with surprising facts or observations and working towards explaining them, often with a mix of qualitative and quantitative elements."

My question 2: "Provide a brief chronological account of the three research approaches (reasoning), i.e. the deductive approach, the inductive approach and the abductive approach."

The reply: "Here is a brief chronological account of the three research approaches (reasoning):

1. Deductive Approach:

• Rooted in traditional scientific method and logic.

• Begins with a general theory or hypothesis.

• Researchers test this theory by collecting specific data.

• Conclusion either supports or refutes the initial hypothesis.

• This approach is often applied first in structured research studies.

2. Inductive Approach:

• Emerged as a response to limitations of strict deduction.

• Begins with specific observations or data collection.

• Researchers identify patterns and develop general theories or hypotheses.

• Theory is built from the ground up based on empirical evidence.

• This approach suits exploratory and qualitative research.

3. Abductive Approach:

• Introduced later as a more flexible reasoning method.

• Starts with surprising or puzzling observations that don't fit existing theories.

• Researchers propose the most plausible explanations (hypotheses) iteratively.

• Combines elements of both deduction and induction.

• Enables theory development and testing in dynamic contexts.

Chronologically, research reasoning evolved from deductive (top-down theory testing) to inductive (bottom-up theory building) and then to abductive, which integrates both to explain anomalies and adapt to complex realities."

*** also study the three research approaches (qualitative methods, quantitative methods and mixed methods).

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.