The research approach refers to the way of defining the reasoning or logic of the research (Loose, 1993). It clarifies the role of the existing knowledge body, which has been studied in the literature review, and the way the researcher utilizes the collected data and analyses them. Two methodological research approaches were highlighted by Yin (1994), the inductive and the deductive approaches. The inductive approach is defined as an inquiry undertaken to understand a human issue or explore a social problem from various perspectives. It starts with an investigation of an untheorized area in order to develop a corresponding theory. However, the deductive approach starts with an already existing theory and extends to its empirical investigation (Yin, 1994). In most of the research cases, it is hard to separate the two approaches. Usually, both approaches are
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involved; even more often, combinations of the inductive and deductive approaches are applied simultaneously (Richards, 1993). In general, a combination of the two approaches helps to more effectively achieve the specific research goals.
Loose (1993) identified deductive research as the testing of a pre-developed conceptual and theoretical structure through empirical observation. The term pre- developed refers to the first step of deductive research, which includes a review and analysis of the literature in the field under research. Such literature review is expected to lead to highlighting an area in the field that had been inadequately researched or in which a dearth of knowledge existed. Then the researcher highlights the area and proposes his or her questions about it and, consequently, defines the research problem. After that a set of hypotheses is expected to be formulated and might lead to a second set of sub- hypotheses. The hypotheses formulate a conceptual model that could be specified to tackle the identified problem. The next research step will be data collection and analysis, which should result in findings closely related to the reviewed literature.
Inductive research, on the other hand, applies a less structured methodology to investigate a problem more deeply (Sutrisna, 2009). Inductive research does not propose hypotheses, but is open to any results without influences of presuppositions (Glaser, 1978). An intermediate step of data collection is expected to answer the research question. Then theories and explanations are developed to fit the results of the data analysis.
To sum up this discussion, the deductive researcher composes one or more hypotheses based on the existing knowledge body, then conducts data collection and analysis to test the hypotheses; however, the inductive researcher collects and analyses data to come up with new theories and explanations using the existent knowledge body and from them develops new findings. Because of its reliance on the current body of knowledge in composing a hypothesis, deductive research aligns with the objectivist and positivist philosophical positions.
In this research, the existing knowledge about SC tools and their use in HE plus the approved theories of technology acceptance will serve as a basis for composing a new set of hypotheses on the use-factors that affect user acceptance of SC tools in HE. Considering the nature of this research study, both inductive and deductive approaches
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are being used. A conceptual framework will be developed from the review of the existing literature about SC, issues of HE in the Gulf States, and technology acceptance theories. This development adopts the deductive approach as it goes from the existing technology acceptance theory, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), to define the factors that affect the user acceptance of using SC in HE in the Gulf States. After that these factors help in theorizing the effective implementation of SC through offering a new conceptual framework for implementing SC in HE in the Gulf States. The research starts with set of hypotheses that being studied in two case study institutions in the Gulf States. Merriam (1988) argues that the nature of such case studies mostly utilizes an inductive approach due to new concepts, understandings, and relationships arising from studying the collected data.
So, this research study develops a new framework for adopting SC in the Gulf States as a new theoretical reference for enhancing the teaching and learning practices in this region of the world. This concept is new and represents an addition to the knowledge body. It also comes through qualitative research approach in which the collected user knowledge about SC was interpreted. This means an inductive approach is being conducted. The research also analyses the use of UTAUT theory, and extends it through developing new constructs and relationships, which confirms that an inductive research approach is used.
To sum up the philosophies and research approaches used in this research, it can be said that this research adopts the objectivist and positivist philosophical stances and employs a combination of inductive and deductive research approaches. Figure 5-2 illustrates the interaction of these approaches and philosophies.
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Figure 5-2: Research philosophies and approaches.