If a researcher develops a connection between social theory and data by first collecting the data and then developing a theory that explains the patterns in the data, he/she is using ______ reasoning.

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Inductive reasoning involves developing a theory or general principle based on observations, patterns, and data. In this case, the researcher first collects the data and observes patterns before developing a theory that explains these patterns. Deductive reasoning, on the other hand, involves starting with a theory or hypothesis and testing it with data. Quantitative refers to the type of data (numerical) being used, and falsifiability refers to the ability for a theory to be proven false through testing.

If a Researcher Develops a Connection Between Social Theory and Data