impact of 4d modeling on construction planning process - Chalmers ...

2 Methodology
2.1 Deductive and inductive theory
Bryman (2004) described two approaches for relating theory to practice which are
deductive and inductive. In deductive method, the researchers observe, review and
analyze existing theories; derive a hypothesis from it and validate it using empirical
analysis. That is, deductive method begins with general ideas and ends with specific
results, whereas in inductive method, the researchers perform a series <strong>of</strong> studies and
observations to come up with findings which lead to the formation <strong>of</strong> a general theory.
It means that general ideas are generated from specific results in inductive approach.
Theory
Observation/Findings
Observation/Findings
Theory
Deductive vs Inductive
Figure 0-1: Deductive and Inductive approach (Bryman, 2004)
2.2 Adopted Method
The approach used to conduct this thesis is deductive approach. A topic <strong>of</strong> interest
was first selected and the hypothesis was derived for this study, that is: is 4D<strong>modeling</strong>
beneficial for construction planning process? In order to validate this
hypothesis, study was narrowed down to addressing specific research questions. To
carry out the study, the quantitative methods for collecting data were mainly used.
The quantitative data collection techniques include surveys, experiments, existing
statistics and content analyses (Neuman, 2006). Due to the limitation <strong>of</strong> not having a
company to conduct surveys and experiments, the data was mostly collected by
content analysis and existing statistics.
Content analysis is a technique to examine written information, content or symbolic
material e.g. pictures. The researcher first identifies a body <strong>of</strong> material to analyze, for
example, books, articles, and reports or other such material. Useful relevant data is
then extracted, to assist in reaching the findings. Whereas in existing statistics
research, the researcher collects data from previously conducted experiments, surveys
CHALMERS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Master’s Thesis 2012:27
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