Difference Between

Inductive and
Deductive Approach
to Research
Sainik Awasiya
Mahavidyalaya
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Inductive theory is an approach to research that
Hypothesis starts with the observation and the end result of
the research is THEORY.
Structure
Size of Sample Deductive theory is an approach to research
that starts with the proposition of hypothesis
Scrutiny
and the end result of the research is
Time Factor Confirmation/rejection.
Theory
Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Inductive approach to research does not have
Hypothesis
any place for hypothesis. So, researcher is free
Structure
to alter direction of the study.
Size of Sample
Scrutiny Deductive approach to research starts with the
Time Factor hypothesis itself. Researcher is bound not to
Theory alter direction of the study.
Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Hypothesis Inductive approach is less structured as there

Structure is no guiding factor.

Size of Sample Deductive approach is highly structured

Scrutiny because there is some specific aim to be
Time Factor accomplished.
Theory
Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Inductive approach is appropriate for small
Hypothesis
sample project because small numbers of
Structure
sample are analyzed with greater gravity.
Size of Sample
Scrutiny Deductive approach is appropriate for large

Time Factor sample project because large numbers of

Theory samples are analyzed with less depth.

Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
More scrutinized information about the
Hypothesis
subject matter.
Structure
Size of Sample Less scrutiny in getting information regarding
Scrutiny subject matter.
Time Factor
Theory
Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Inductive approach assumes that there is
Hypothesis
abundance of time; so depth analysis is
Structure
possible.
Size of Sample
Scrutiny Deductive approach assumes that there is
Time Factor shortage of time; so depth analysis of large
Theory number of sample is unattainable.
Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Inductive approach is concerned with
Hypothesis
building a new theory.
Structure
Size of Sample Deductive approach is concerned with testing
Scrutiny an existing theory.
Time Factor
Theory
Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Inductive approach to research is bottom-up
Hypothesis approach
Structure
Observation Pattern Theory
Size of Sample
Scrutiny
General to Particular
Time Factor
Theory
Approach
 Bases of Difference Between Inductive and
Difference Deductive Approach to Research
Meaning
Deductive approach to research is top-down
Hypothesis
approach.
Structure
Size of Sample Theory Hypothesis Observation

Scrutiny
Time Factor Particular to General Confirm/Reject

Theory
Approach