Читать книгу GIS Research Methods - Steven J. Steinberg - Страница 88

A GIS can be useful for both inductive and deductive approaches to research. In a deductive approach, the researcher begins the research process by following a series of traditional steps. In this kind of research, the researcher begins with a review of literature, generates a conceptual framework, develops a hypothesis, and then tests this hypothesis by gathering data. Figure 3.5 visualizes the process involved in the deductive research approach, in which the researcher begins with an examination of the data to generate a theory.

Figure 3.5 The deductive research approach.

By contrast, in an inductive approach, the researcher’s understanding of the research topic and potential hypotheses emerge from the data. In other words, the researcher does not go into the study with any preconceived notions or hypotheses. Instead, the researcher begins the research process by collecting data and then seeks to develop an understanding of patterns observed. This ultimately leads the researcher to develop a theory to help explain the observed patterns. Figure 3.6 portrays the inductive research approach, in which the researcher begins with a theory and then collects and analyzes data to test a hypothesis related to that theory.

Figure 3.6 The inductive research approach.