The four commonly used theories of research include deductive, inductive, grounded, and axiomatic research theories. Deductive research theory refers to the data that has been obtained or collected from a general theory that leads to the prediction of what will happen or what is going on. It deals with specific observations that do not necessarily lead to broader generalizations of the theory. Inductive research theory is based on the use of inductive reasoning which converts specific observations into broader generalized theories. Inductive research theories are usually described as the research theories that move away from specific aspects to the generalization of these aspects or concepts (Wagenaar & Babbie, 2003).
The grounded theory of research is defined as a systematic qualitative research technique that focuses on the generation of theories from existing data during the process of research. The grounded research theory operates in contradiction with traditional research approaches because it involves the collection of data which is then used to develop a hypothesis. The axiomatic research theory provides the theoretical and operational definitions that describe the various scopes, settings or contexts within which theoretical frameworks are applied and used. Axiomatic theories contain statements from which all the other statements of the theory are derived from (Wagenaar & Babbie, 2003)
The differences that exist between these four theories is that the deductive research theory focuses on the deductive line of thought which is used to transform general theoretical frameworks into specific theories or hypothetical statements. Another difference is that deductive research involves the use of arguments that are based on laws, rules and other universally accepted principles. A major difference of inductive reasoning is that the researcher’s line of thought or reasoning shifts from being a specific observation to a general theory. Inductive research theories also differ from the other theories of research in that they create laws based on the observation of facts. For example if the researcher observes a specific pattern that occurs within a certain community, he might develop a hypothesis from this observation which will be used to conduct surveys and experiments that will eventually lead to a conclusion. This will mean that the observed pattern or behavior within that community will be generalized (Wagenaar & Babbie, 2003).
Grounded theories differ from the other theories of research as they develop hypothesis based on collected data rather than on research work. Grounded theories also differ from the other research theories because they involve a different research format than the traditional research theories. The first step in grounded theories is data collection, which is followed by the grouping of collected concepts after which categories are formed from these concepts to develop theories. The traditional research approaches usually begin with the development of a theoretical framework after which research data is collected. Axiomatic research theories differ from the other research theories in that the theory is derived from the axiomatic statements in the existing operational definitions and theories. A system of logic also exists in axiomatic statements where concepts are related to various statements that allow for the derivation of hypotheses (Wagenaar & Babbie, 2003)
Validation of the Research Theories
Both Inductive and deductive research methods can be able to move from generalized to specific and from specific to generalized conceptualization of theories and hypotheses. They also involve the use of logical reasoning and analysis to arrive at a suitable conclusion to the research problem. In terms of validity, the deductive research method is more valid than the inductive theory of research because it incorporates the use of pure logic to develop sound and guaranteed research conclusions as long as the applied logic is not invalidated. The inductive theory of research is bases its logic on observed facts that are generalized into observable behavior. The conclusions that are derived from these observations are therefore not obtained from the demonstration of laws or arguments making the deductive research method more valid than the inductive research theory (Wagenaar & Babbie, 2003).
The axiomatic research theory is more valid than the grounded research theory in that theoretical frameworks in the axiomatic approach are developed from existing operational definitions and theories. These frameworks are derived from statements that exist in theories that have been derived from proposed research work and conclusions. The grounded theory on the other hand requires that the researcher should choose a theoretical framework that will be applied to a specific model of a phenomenon that is being studied. This means that the theory will apply to the specific area of study rather than a general body of phenomena. The axiomatic research theory is therefore more valid than the grounded theory as the theoretical framework covers a large body of phenomena (Wagenaar & Babbie, 2003).
Differences and Similarities between Theory and Hypothesis
One difference that exists between a theory and a hypothesis is that a theory is a concept that has undergone extensive experimentation and testing while a hypothesis is a statement that is yet to undergo testing as it is developed by the researcher to answer research questions by providing plausible explanations. Another difference is that a theory is a well established principle that has been developed to explain a certain concept or phenomena while a hypothesis is a specific prediction that is usually testable to explain what the researchers expects to happen in the study. A major similarity between a theory and a hypothesis is that both of these concepts are products of experimentation and testing. Theories and hypothesis have to undergo some testing to ensure that they are valid to the research. Another similarity is that a theory is often derived from a hypothesis which is described as an observable phenomenon. The hypothesis is experimented upon and tested to ensure that it is valid and viable after which a theory is developed from the hypothesis (Ary et al, 2010).
Research Variables
A variable is defined as any observation that is able to adopt and take on different values during the course of the research and it can also be changed to suit the theoretical framework of the study. Examples of commonly used variables in research studies include religion, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, height, weight, location, customer satisfaction, and preferences. Variables are important in research work because they are usually the focus of the research study where variables are used to build on the theoretical frameworks and hypotheses of the research study. Variables help to determine the outcome of the research work based on the hypotheses and theories. Variables are also important in research work because they determine whether changes in one aspect of the research will result to changes in another aspect of the research. Another reason as to why variables are important in research studies are that they can be measured controlled and manipulated by the researcher to suit their research needs (Ary et al, 2010).
References
Ary, D., Jacobs, L.C., Razavieh, A., & Sorensen, C., (2010). Introduction to research in education. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Cengage Learning
Wagenaar, T.C. & Babbie, E.R., (2003). Guided activities for the practice of social research. New York: Thomson Wadsworth Learning