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Deductive vs. Inductive
The author of this report is given a test case example of a sociologist that is conducting research. The author is being asked to discern whether the sociologist in question is engaging in deductive reasoning or if the sociologists is instead using an inductive approach. The author of this report will first define and quantify what each of those terms means along with examples of each. The author will then summarize the test case that was offered and clearly define which method the sociologist is using. While the two methods of research are similar in some ways, the way in which they start and finish is clearly different.
As defined by Alina Bradford on the Live Science website, there is a clear difference between the two types of reasoning. Bradford explains that deductive reason is a "basic form of valid reasoning." She explains that deductive reasoning, also commonly referred to as deduction, starts out with a general statement. This general statement typically comes in the form of a hypothesis or theory about what results will be potentially gleaned from an experiment or observation. The hypothesis may or may not be correct. As such,...
Bradford uses the example of posing a theory that all men are mortal. Further, this person would center on man in particular. The scientists would then assert that this man is mortal. Since men are indeed mortal, the theory would be correct (Bradford, 2015).
With inductive reasoning, the approach is a little different. Rather than having a preconceived theory or idea about what is going to be observed and/or what is going to happen, the person in question just goes into observation mode and then reacts and analyzes based on what is noticed and seen. For example, let us use the example of a sociologist that goes to the mall to see how men and/or women react with their children, if they have any. For example, the sociologist might wish to observe whether the women lead or carry the child or if the man would do so. Unless the sociologist is posing theories or hypotheses about what he will see in advance of doing so, he is engaging in inductive reasoning. If,…
References
Bradford, A. (2015). Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive Reasoning. LiveScience.com.
Retrieved 19 July 2015, from http://www.livescience.com/21569-deduction-vs.-induction.html
Crossman, A. (2015). What's the Difference Between Deductive and Inductive
Reasoning?. About.com Education. Retrieved 19 July 2015, from http://sociology.about.com/od/Research/a/Deductive-Reasoning-Versus-Inductive-Reasoning.htm
2006, p. 1054). I said to myself 'if I had a new car, I would have less car problems.' While my parents had always judged the value of a car based upon its price and resale value, my interpretation of my own memory and experiences was slightly different, which colored my decision-making about purchasing a new car: I recalled having to have my used car towed late at night,
Deductive Logic and Theory Building Theory Poverty is often a significant element influencing individuals to take on a life of crime, taking into account that organized crime leaders tend to recruit their subordinates from underprivileged environments. Poor persons have lesser options in comparison to others and gradually come to consider that committing criminal acts is the only solution they have in order to survive. From the perspective of organized crime leaders poor
Deductive vs. Inductive ReasoningDeductive reasoning is a type of logical reasoning that allows for the conclusion to be drawn from a set of premises that are generally known or assumed to be true. In other words, deductive reasoning starts with a general statement (or hypothesis) and then applies it to a specific situation in order to arrive at a logical conclusion. For example, if one were to deduce that all
Hypothetico-Deductive Reasoning Karl Popper who argued that a hypothesis is best proved through a process that includes falsification or disproof is known as the chief architect of the scientific methodology called the hypothetico-deductive method of reasoning. This method involves iterations of the four steps of characterization, hypothesis, prediction or logical deduction from the hypothesis, and test of the first three stages (wordIQ.com). Philosopher Karl Popper's work was also based on the
Deductive vs. Inductive ReasoningDeductive reasoning is when one uses a general principle to reach a specific conclusion. For example, if a person knows that all men are mortal and that person meets a man, then the person can deduce that the man is mortal. In other words, deductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion is based on the concordance of multiple premises that are generally assumed to
San Miguel & Kim Did the studies use inductive or deductive research methods? Explain. It was clearly an example of deductive reasoning. Why did the researcher choose induction or deduction for the study? The study's authors clearly wanted to focus on Latina scientists and engineers and what leads to them being successful. As noted in abstract, the authors sough to reveal the mentoring and positive experiences of Latinas in the STEM field. Do you think