Course: Research Methods
Deductive research is a type of study that tests theories with evidence collected from data.
Think of deductive research like a detective solving a crime. The detective forms a theory about who committed the crime. Then, they collect evidence to see if it supports or contradicts their theory. This is precisely what happens in deductive research. Researchers start with a theory and then collect data to test it.
The Deductive Research Process
This process is like a clear, organized pathway. Researchers begin with a general theory. After that, they shape a more specific hypothesis. This hypothesis predicts a specific outcome that we can test. To test it, they collect data. Finally, they analyze this data to see whether it supports or contradicts the hypothesis.
Let’s explore how this works in different social science fields: criminal justice, social work, and political science.
Deductive Research in Criminal Justice
In criminal justice, researchers might start with a general theory that “harsh punishment reduces crime rates.” After all, if punishment is severe, people should be less likely to commit crimes, right?
The next step is to shape a specific hypothesis from this theory. They might predict, “If a state increases prison sentences for robbery, then the robbery rate in that state will decrease.”
The researchers then gather data on robbery rates in states that have increased prison sentences. If the data shows a decrease in robbery rates, it would support their hypothesis. If it does not, they would need to reconsider their theory.
Social Work
In social work, a researcher might use the general theory that “Access to mental health services improves the quality of life.” A hypothesis from this theory could be, “If a community increases access to mental health services, then the community’s overall quality of life will improve.”
To test this hypothesis, the researcher would collect data from communities that have recently expanded mental health services. If the data suggests a better quality of life, the hypothesis is supported. If not, the researcher would need to reevaluate the theory.
Deductive Research
In political science, a common theory is that “High voter turnout ensures a more democratic result.” Accordingly, a researcher might hypothesize that “If voter turnout is high in an election, then the elected leaders will more accurately represent the public’s views.”
The researcher would then collect data on voter turnout and public satisfaction with leaders. If high turnout elections lead to more public satisfaction, the hypothesis is supported. But if there’s no link between turnout and satisfaction, the theory might need revising.
Importance of Deductive Research
All in all, deductive research is a vital tool in social sciences. It helps us understand our world by testing theories with real-world data. Through this process, we can confirm or challenge our ideas, leading to more robust and accurate theories. Not only does this approach increase our knowledge, but it also helps us make informed decisions in fields like law, social services, and politics.