Judging the relevance of deductive inquiry: The central role of theory

Abstract

This article argues that the relevance of deductive research is best judged according to how well it serves theory. This unavoidable basic tenet is examined for its implications to the practice of traditional social science: (a) that theory building would be a valued activity; (b) that scholars would focus on elaborating and critiquing a small number of influential theories; (c) that research papers would be theory based and hypothesis driven; and (d) that other aspects of relevance that deductive researchers now wish to embrace (e.g., social responsibility and practicality) are dependent on good theory.

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