The potential of working hypotheses for deductive exploratory research

Mattia Casula (), Nandhini Rangarajan () and Patricia Shields ()
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Mattia Casula: University of Bologna
Nandhini Rangarajan: Texas State University
Patricia Shields: Texas State University

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2021, vol. 55, issue 5, No 8, 1703-1725

Abstract: Abstract While hypotheses frame explanatory studies and provide guidance for measurement and statistical tests, deductive, exploratory research does not have a framing device like the hypothesis. To this purpose, this article examines the landscape of deductive, exploratory research and offers the working hypothesis as a flexible, useful framework that can guide and bring coherence across the steps in the research process. The working hypothesis conceptual framework is introduced, placed in a philosophical context, defined, and applied to public administration and comparative public policy. Doing so, this article explains: the philosophical underpinning of exploratory, deductive research; how the working hypothesis informs the methodologies and evidence collection of deductive, explorative research; the nature of micro-conceptual frameworks for deductive exploratory research; and, how the working hypothesis informs data analysis when exploratory research is deductive.

Keywords: Exploratory research; Working hypothesis; Deductive qualitative research; Pragmatism (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-020-01072-9

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