Final answer:
Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning moves from a general premise to specific conclusions. In the theory and research cycle, the conclusion from inductive reasoning can often become the premise for deductive reasoning. Inductive and deductive reasoning are used in different research approaches and contribute to scientific knowledge in tandem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inductive and Deductive Reasoning in the Theory and Research Cycle
Inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning are two approaches used in scientific research to advance knowledge. Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations and incidents to form a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning moves from a general premise to specific conclusions.
Inductive reasoning involves collecting details, observations, incidents, or facts and drawing a conclusion from them. For example, if you observe that attendance is lower on Fridays in college classes, you can conclude that many students prefer not to attend classes on Fridays.
Deductive reasoning starts with a general concept or hypothesis and examines specific possibilities to reach a logical conclusion. For instance, if you hypothesize that opportunities for foreign students at your college are inadequate and after examining specific parts of that concept, you determine that the opportunities are lacking, you can deduce that opportunities for foreign students are indeed insufficient.
In the theory and research cycle, the conclusion from inductive reasoning can often become the premise for deductive reasoning. These processes are used in different approaches to research, with case studies being associated with inductive reasoning and experimental research heavily relying on deductive reasoning.
Scientists often use inductive and deductive reasoning together to advance scientific knowledge. They test ideas in the real world using deductive reasoning and use real-world observations to form new ideas through inductive reasoning. Both these forms of logical thinking contribute to various scientific study pathways such as descriptive science and hypothesis-based science.