In qualitative research, what do deductive and inductive refer to?

In qualitative research, deductive and inductive refer to approaches to theory formation. Deductive reasoning involves starting with a general theory or hypothesis and then moving towards more specific observations to test the hypothesis. This approach is often used when researchers have existing theories and want to confirm or refute them through empirical data.

On the other hand, inductive reasoning begins with specific observations or data and works towards the development of a general theory. In this case, qualitative researchers gather data, often through interviews or focus groups, and identify patterns or themes that emerge, which can then form the basis for a new theory.

Understanding the distinction between these two approaches is critical in qualitative research, as they guide how researchers generate knowledge and build theories based on their findings. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the importance of deductive and inductive approaches in the context of theory formation in qualitative research.