Circular reasoning for the evolution of research through a strategic construction of research methodologies

• Main Authors: Park, Dongmyung, Bahrudin, Fadzli Irwan, Han, Ji
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: European Centre for Research, Training and Development (ECRTD) 2020
• Subjects: NA Architecture; TA174 Engineering design
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/84908/1/Circular-reasoning-for-the-evolution-of-research.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/84908/; https://www.eajournals.org/journals/international-journal-of-quantitative-and-qualitative-research-methods-ijqqrm/vol-8-issue-3-september-2020/circular-reasoning-for-the-evolution-of-research-through-a-strategic-construction-of-research-methodologies/

In a research process, the inductive and deductive reasoning approach has shortcomings in terms of validity and applicability, respectively. Also, the objective-oriented reasoning approach can output findings with some of the two limitations. That meaning, the reasoning approaches do have flaws as a means of methodically and reliably answering research questions. Hence, they are often coupled together and formed a strong basis for an expansion of knowledge. However, academic discourse on best practice in selecting multiple reasonings for a research project is limited. This paper highlights the concept of a circular reasoning process of which a reasoning approach is complemented with one another for robust research findings. Through a strategic sequence of research methodologies, the circular reasoning process enables the capitalisation of strengths and compensation of weaknesses of inductive, deductive, and objective-oriented reasoning. Notably, an extensive cycle of the circular reasoning process would provide a strong foundation for embarking into new research, as well as expanding current research.