Abductive reasoning (abductive approach)
Abductive reasoning, also referred to as abductive approach is set to address weaknesses associated with deductive and inductive approaches. Specifically, deductive reasoning is criticized for the lack of clarity in terms of how to select theory to be tested via formulating hypotheses. Inductive reasoning, on other hand, criticized because “no amount of empirical data will necessarily enable theory-building”[1]. Abductive reasoning, as a third alternative, overcomes these weaknesses via adopting a pragmatist perspective.
| Feature | Deductive Approach | Inductive Approach | Abductive Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Existing theory | Observations | Unexpected observation or puzzle |
| Purpose | Test theory | Develop theory | Explain surprising phenomena |
| Direction of reasoning | General → specific | Specific → general | Interaction between theory and data |
| Research methods | Often quantitative | Often qualitative | Mixed methods often used |
| Outcome | Confirmation or rejection of theory | Generation of theory | Development of best possible explanation |
Comparison of research approaches
The figure below illustrates the main differences between abductive, deductive and inductive reasoning:
At the same time, it has to be clarified that abductive reasoning is similar to deductive and inductive approaches in a way that it is applied to make logical inferences and construct theories.
In abductive approach, the research process starts with ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ and the research process is devoted their explanation[2]. ‘Surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ may emerge when a researchers encounters with an empirical phenomena that cannot be explained by the existing range of theories.
When following an abductive approach, researcher seeks to choose the ‘best’ explanation among many alternative in order to explain ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’ identified at the start of the research process. In the course of explaining ‘surprising facts’ or ‘puzzles’, the researcher can combine both, numerical and cognitive reasoning.
Despite its increasing popularity in business studies, application of abductive reasoning in practice is challenging and you are advised to stick with traditional deductive or inductive approaches when writing your dissertation if it is the first time you are writing a dissertation.
When to Use Abductive Approach
You can use abductive research when you encounter unexpected or puzzling findings that cannot be fully explained by existing theories. In such situations, abductive reasoning allows you to explore alternative explanations and develop new theoretical insights.
This approach is often used in studies involving complex organizational phenomena, emerging technologies, or rapidly changing business environments where existing theoretical frameworks may be insufficient.
For example, if you are analyzing the impact of artificial intelligence on employee appraisal you may observe unexpected behavioral patterns among managers that are not fully explained by existing management theories. In such cases, abductive reasoning can help you to develop new explanations by integrating empirical observations with theoretical concepts.
Abductive approach is also commonly adopted in mixed-method research, where researchers combine qualitative and quantitative data in order to develop more comprehensive explanations of complex phenomena.
My e-book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Dissertation in Business Studies: a step by step assistance contains discussions of theory and application of research approaches. The e-book also explains all stages of the research process starting from the selection of the research area to writing personal reflection. Important elements of dissertations such as research philosophy, research design, methods of data collection, data analysis and sampling are explained in this e-book in simple words.
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John Dudovskiy
[1] Source: Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2012) “Research Methods for Business Students” 6th edition, Pearson Education Limited
[2] Bryman A. & Bell, E. (2015) “Business Research Methods” 4th edition, Oxford University Press, p.27