NCJ Number
128613
Date Published
1990
Length
15 pages
Annotation
As sociological ethnography experiences a renaissance, researchers must re-examine the requirements and presumptions associated with inductive analysis. Though more often associated with philosophy rather than methodology, induction was developed in strict accordance with the canons and principles of scientific methods.
Abstract
The common theme that runs through the various accepted definitions of induction is that induction must begin with a hypothesis to be tested. The strength of the method lies in its capability to test many alternatives and evolve dynamically as opposing or corroborating evidence appears. The first systematic statements of analytic induction in the social sciences were made in the late 1920's and early 1930's. Over the years, many sociologists have misunderstood and misused the concept, applying the term induction to all forms of qualitative or participant-observation research. The steps required to perform analytic induction, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with the process are outlined in this article. The author calls upon ethnographers to again use inductive analysis in its original form. 56 references