DEDUCTIVE METHOD OF RESEARCH
(i) Deductive method of research :
The method of studying a phenomena by taking some assumptions and
deducting conclusions from these assumptions is known as the deductive method.
Deduction is a process of reasoning from the general to particular or from the universe
to individual, from given premises to necessary conclusions. Deduction is also known as
analytical, abstract and a priori method. It has an abstract approach to the study of
science. When researchers proposed a study of the casual factors of the delinquencies
which are on the increase and which seems serious to them, they have some general
anticipatory idea as to what to observe and what specific facts in the main would be
relevant to their inquiry, even though they may not have realized these implications.
Then, on the basis of their observation, they formulate certain single propositions as to
the casual factors of delinquency. That is, they deduce from the complexities of
observed behaviour certain single ideas. In other words, they use a process of
reasoning about the whole observed situations in order to arrive at a particular idea.
This process of reasoning is called deduction or deductive reasoning.
The earlier scientific studies followed mainly the method of deduction, which is a
method of arriving at conclusions from premises. In deduction it is immaterial whether
the premises are true or false so long as the conclusions follow logically from the
assumptions. All that is needed is to select propositions in such a way that the analysis
of their meanings leads to other propositions. Take for instance the following two
propositions;
1. It is in the nature of weaker persons to become subordinate to stronger ones.
2. Women are weaker than men.
It is possible to deduce a third proposition from these two propositions namely,
(3) women are subordinate to men. The truth or validity of the third statement, would
depend upon the truth of the first two statements which are the premises. But the
method of deduction is indifferent as to the validity of the premises. Therefore, one
cannot be sure about the truth of the third statement.
Deduction is logical reasoning and if we start with good premises, deduction can
serve scientific research in three ways :
1. Deduction help in detecting the questionable assumptions logically involved in what is
believed to be the truth and it multiplies the number of available hypothesis by
formulating the possible alternatives.
2. The logical deductions of its consequences makes clear the meaning of any hypothesis.
3. The process of rigorous deduction is an aid in the attempt to steer clear of irrelevancies
and thus the right principle is found.
(i) Deductive method of research :
The method of studying a phenomena by taking some assumptions and
deducting conclusions from these assumptions is known as the deductive method.
Deduction is a process of reasoning from the general to particular or from the universe
to individual, from given premises to necessary conclusions. Deduction is also known as
analytical, abstract and a priori method. It has an abstract approach to the study of
science. When researchers proposed a study of the casual factors of the delinquencies
which are on the increase and which seems serious to them, they have some general
anticipatory idea as to what to observe and what specific facts in the main would be
relevant to their inquiry, even though they may not have realized these implications.
Then, on the basis of their observation, they formulate certain single propositions as to
the casual factors of delinquency. That is, they deduce from the complexities of
observed behaviour certain single ideas. In other words, they use a process of
reasoning about the whole observed situations in order to arrive at a particular idea.
This process of reasoning is called deduction or deductive reasoning.
The earlier scientific studies followed mainly the method of deduction, which is a
method of arriving at conclusions from premises. In deduction it is immaterial whether
the premises are true or false so long as the conclusions follow logically from the
assumptions. All that is needed is to select propositions in such a way that the analysis
of their meanings leads to other propositions. Take for instance the following two
propositions;
1. It is in the nature of weaker persons to become subordinate to stronger ones.
2. Women are weaker than men.
It is possible to deduce a third proposition from these two propositions namely,
(3) women are subordinate to men. The truth or validity of the third statement, would
depend upon the truth of the first two statements which are the premises. But the
method of deduction is indifferent as to the validity of the premises. Therefore, one
cannot be sure about the truth of the third statement.
Deduction is logical reasoning and if we start with good premises, deduction can
serve scientific research in three ways :
1. Deduction help in detecting the questionable assumptions logically involved in what is
believed to be the truth and it multiplies the number of available hypothesis by
formulating the possible alternatives.
2. The logical deductions of its consequences makes clear the meaning of any hypothesis.
3. The process of rigorous deduction is an aid in the attempt to steer clear of irrelevancies
and thus the right principle is found.
- RESEARCH DESIGN
- DEDUCTIVE METHOD OF RESEARCH
- SOCIAL RESEARCH
- EMPIRICAL OR NON-DOCTRINAL LEGAL RESEARCH
- DOCTRINAL OR NON-EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
- LEGAL RESEARCH
