Abstract:
Qualitative researchers are often confronted with a dilemma of selecting an appropriate approach
within which to situate their research. This has led to successive attempts by qualitative researchers in the
built environment (BE) to combine two dominant approaches – deductive and inductive; in the conduct of
their inquiry. Such attempts can be traced to the poor comprehension of the abductive approach. The purpose
of this paper is to elucidate the principles of the abductive approach and illustrate its applicability within the
context of BE qualitative research.
Design/methodology/approach – In this study, an illustrative case study is used to depict the usefulness
of the abductive approach in BE research. The case relied upon is a recently completed study of an
infrastructure delivery system and an assessment of the system’s ability to deliver on socio-economic
sustainability objectives.
Findings – It was established that extant theories, particularly those with a history of provenance, could be
used as a basis for the development of testable propositions for assessing certain phenomena, qualitatively.
However, the manner in which these propositions are utilised under an abductive approach is pivotal to the
generation of credible findings.
Research limitations/implications – It is expected that the findings of this paper would create awareness
among researchers on the relevance of an abductive approach to qualitative research.
Originality/value – This study makes an authentic contribution towards resolving the challenge
confronting qualitative researchers within the BE discipline as it pertains to selecting between deductive and
inductive approaches. In this case, an abductive approach is suggested and its modalities shown through a
comprehensive study.
