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THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF SCIENCE IN RESEARCH 27

These problems occur whenever we attempt to quantify human behavior. Diffi-
culties might also be encountered in obtaining a representative sample, restricting
the generalizability of the findings. Thus, it is not always possible to meet all the
hallmarks of science in full. Comparability, consistency, and wide generalizability
are often difficult to obtain in research. Still, to the extent that the research is
designed to ensure purposiveness, rigor, and the maximum possible testability,
replicability, generalizability, objectivity, parsimony, and precision and confidence,
we would have endeavored to engage in scientific investigation. Several other pos-
sible limitations in research studies are discussed in subsequent chapters.

THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF SCIENCE IN RESEARCH

One of the primary methods of scientific investigation is the hypothetico-deductive
method. The deductive and inductive processes in research are described below.

Deduction and Induction

Answers to issues can be found either by the process of deduction or the
process of induction, or by a combination of the two. Deduction is the process
by which we arrive at a reasoned conclusion by logical generalization of a
known fact. For example, we know that all high performers are highly profi-
cient in their jobs. If John is a high performer, we then conclude that he is
highly proficient in his job. Induction, on the other hand, is a process where
we observe certain phenomena and on this basis arrive at conclusions. In other
words, in induction we logically establish a general proposition based on
observed facts. For instance, we see that the production processes are the prime
features of factories or manufacturing plants. We therefore conclude that facto-
ries exist for production purposes. Both the deductive and the inductive
processes are applied in scientific investigations.
Theories based on deduction and induction help us to understand, explain,
and/or predict business phenomena. When research is designed to test some
specific hypothesized outcomes, as for instance, to see if controlling aversive
noise in the environment increases the performance of individuals in solving
mental puzzles, the following steps ensue. The investigator begins with the the-
ory that noise adversely affects mental problem solving. The hypothesis is then
generated that if the noise is controlled, mental puzzles can be solved more
quickly and correctly. Based on this a research project is designed to test the
hypothesis. The results of the study help the researcher to deduce or conclude
that controlling the aversive noise does indeed help the participants to improve
their performance on mental puzzles. This method of starting with a theoretical
framework, formulating hypotheses, and logically deducing from the results of
the study is known as the hypothetico-deductive method.
The building blocks of scientific inquiry are depicted in Figure 2.1 and include
the processes of initially observing phenomena, identifying the problem,
constructing a theory as to what might be happening, developing hypotheses,