An Introduction to the Methods of Inquiry in Social Sciences

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is an introduction to methods for conducting inquiries in social sciences. A method of inquiry is an organized and systematic scientific approaches used by scholars for controlled investigations and experiments to efficiently solve theoretical and practical problems, generating discoveries and/or science advances. The paper here presents, briefly, the development of models of inquiry in the philosophy of science. After that, it introduces general methods of inquiry (deduction, induction, abduction and hypothetical-deductive approaches) and specific models of scientific inquiry in social sciences, such as multiple working hypotheses. In general, modern scientific research is multifaceted and requires different approaches for generating new concepts, new hypothesis and theories. Different methods of inquiry directed to solve problems in science can be complementary approaches that foster knowledge creation within and between research fields.

Keywords: Methods of Inquiry, Philosophy of Science, Models of Inquiry, Scientific Research, Conduct of Inquiry

JEL Classification: A20; A29; B40; B49