Data Collection

Inductive research
Inductive research “involves the search for pattern from observation and the development of explanations – theories – for those patterns through series of hypotheses” (Bernard, 2011, p.7). In other words, no theories would apply in inductive studies at the beginning of the research and the researcher is free in terms of altering the direction for the study after the research process had commenced. Specifically, no hypotheses can be found at the initial stages of the research and the researcher is not sure about the type and nature of the research findings until the study is completed. In inductive approach there is no theory at the beginning point of the research, and theories may evolve as a result of the research.

Stanford d.school“What? How? Why?” Method
This is a simple tool to help get to deeper levels of observation. ‘What’ refers to concrete observations. ‘How’ means moving to understanding using descriptive phrases. ‘Why’ refers to going out on a limb and interpreting the scenario with informed guesses.

Sites DOT MIISThe Middlebury Institute site network.