Methods of Inquiry in Research

Research is a systematic and organized process of inquiry that aims to generate new knowledge and understanding in various fields of study. In order to conduct research effectively, researchers employ different methods of inquiry, which provide a framework for conducting controlled investigations, experiments, and observations. This article provides an overview of the methods of inquiry commonly used in research, including deduction, induction, abduction, hypothetical-deductive approach, and multiple working hypotheses.

Deduction

Deduction is a method of inquiry that involves reasoning from general principles or theories to specific observations or predictions. It starts with a theory or hypothesis and then tests it through observations or experiments to confirm or refute it. In deductive reasoning, researchers make specific predictions or observations based on established theories or principles and then gather evidence to support or challenge those predictions.

Induction

In contrast to deduction, induction involves reasoning from specific observations or data to general conclusions or theories. It starts with observations or data and then derives general principles or theories from them. Inductive reasoning is used to identify patterns, regularities, or trends in data and then develop generalizations or theories based on those observations.

Abduction

Abduction is a form of reasoning that involves generating plausible explanations or hypotheses to explain observed phenomena. It involves making educated guesses or inferences based on available evidence. Abductive reasoning is often used when there is incomplete or ambiguous information, and researchers need to propose possible explanations to account for the observed data.

Hypothetical-Deductive Approach

The hypothetical-deductive approach combines elements of deduction and induction. It involves formulating a hypothesis based on existing theories or observations, designing experiments or observations to test the hypothesis, and then using the results to refine or revise the hypothesis. This iterative process of hypothesis formulation, testing, and refinement is central to the scientific method and allows researchers to systematically investigate and understand complex phenomena.

Multiple Working Hypotheses

The multiple working hypotheses method involves considering and testing multiple hypotheses simultaneously. It recognizes that there may be multiple plausible explanations for a phenomenon and aims to explore and evaluate different hypotheses to determine the most likely explanation. By considering multiple hypotheses, researchers can avoid prematurely settling on a single explanation and instead engage in a more comprehensive and rigorous investigation.

In conclusion, research involves the use of various methods of inquiry to systematically investigate and understand phenomena in different fields of study. Deduction, induction, abduction, hypothetical-deductive approach, and multiple working hypotheses are some of the common methods employed by researchers. Each method has its own merits and limitations, and the choice of method depends on the research question, available evidence, and the nature of the phenomenon under investigation.

References:

Coccia, Mario. “An Introduction to the Methods of Inquiry in Social Sciences.” Journal of Social and Administrative Sciences -2018, vol. 5, no. 2, 2018, pp. 116-126. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3219016
“Scientific Methods of Research Inquiry.” Classroom, synonym.com. Available at: https://classroom.synonym.com/scientific-methods-research-inquiry-8315461.html
“Enquiry based learning: The 4 forms of inquiry.” TEACAMP. Available at: https://teacamp.vdu.lt/mod/book/view.php?id=3235&chapterid=133

FAQs

What are the main methods of inquiry used in research?

The main methods of inquiry used in research include deduction, induction, abduction, hypothetical-deductive approach, and multiple working hypotheses.

What is deduction and how is it used in research?

Deduction is a method of inquiry that involves reasoning from general principles or theories to specific observations or predictions. Researchers start with a theory or hypothesis and then test it through observations or experiments to confirm or refute it.

What is induction and how is it applied in research?

Induction is a method of inquiry that involves reasoning from specific observations or data to general conclusions or theories. Researchers start with observations or data and then derive general principles or theories from them.

What is abduction and how does it contribute to research?

Abduction is a form of reasoning that involves generating plausible explanations or hypotheses to explain observed phenomena. Researchers make educated guesses or inferences based on available evidence to propose possible explanations.

What is the hypothetical-deductive approach and how is it used in research?

The hypothetical-deductive approach combines elements of deduction and induction. Researchers formulate a hypothesis based on existing theories or observations, design experiments or observations to test the hypothesis, and then use the results to refine or revise the hypothesis.

What is the multiple working hypotheses method and how is it employed in research?

How do researchers choose the appropriate method of inquiry for their research?

The choice of method of inquiry depends on the research question, available evidence, and the nature of the phenomenon under investigation. Researchers consider the strengths, limitations, and suitability of each method to select the most appropriate approach.

Can researchers use a combination of different methods of inquiry in their research?

Yes, researchers often employ a combination of different methods of inquiry in their research. Depending on the research objectives and the complexity of the phenomenon being studied, researchers may integrate multiple methods to gain a comprehensive understanding and address various aspects of their research question.