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Figure 1.1.2 Steps in Deductive approach

The conclusion of deductive reasoning approach depends
on premises. For example, let the major premise be ‘All cats
have fluffy tails’ and the minor premise be ‘Bingo is a cat’. The
conclusion drawn based on this approach is ‘Bingo has a fluffy tail’.
The conclusion will not be reliable if the major premise is false. ◆ Existing theories
Thus the reliability of this approach depends on the correctness of
the premises. The key limitation of deductive approach is that the
conclusion will be false if the premises are not true.

1.1.4 Significance of Social Science Research

Social science research is more complex than physical science
research since it deals with a blend of varied spectrums of human
life, their attitudes, behaviour, inter relationships and so forth. It ◆ Blend of varied
is considered as inevitable due to the significant role it plays in spectrum of human
life
the economy. The significance of social science research includes:
a. Provides solutions to problems by offering answers to
what, when, where, and how questions. With regard to the above
mentioned example, the total amount of funds required during ◆ Solutions to
the year and the probable sources from where it could be raised problems
are determined for the budget from the data that is collected from
various government departments.
b. It helps the government in policy formulation. Through
social science research the key areas where the government
should pay more attention could be identified and the measures to
be taken to tackle the issues could be developed such as resolving ◆ Policy Formulation
unemployment issues, eliminating poverty, infrastructure
development, and so forth. Thus it contributes towards framing
monetary and fiscal policies.

SGOU - SLM - MCom Research Methodology 9