Kai Erikson went to Buffalo Creek, West Virginia in 1972 following a highly destructive flood. Based on his interviews with resi
dents and after spending considerable time in Buffalo Creek, Erikson analyzed his qualitative data and theorized that the damage to the social ties in the community caused by natural disasters were just as destructive as the physical damage to the affected community. Erikson's study is a good example of what kind of research?
Inductive research refers to an inductive reasoning method, which suggests beliefs and assumptions are based on observation and perception of the data given in the investigation. Thus, the information originates theories rather than test theories, as in a deductive research. In this case, Erikson based his conclusion about social relationships after interviewing Buffalo residents and spending time there.
