Abductive reasoning: A contribution to knowledge creation in education

Abstract

Based on an epistemological discussion, this paper aims to show the contribution of abduction as a scientifi c procedure in the educational fi eld. To that end, I explain how scientifi c research approaches and processes are founded on the three types of logical inference: deduction, induction and abduction, all of which underpin knowledge building and the role of both science and researchers. Firstly, I describe the specifi c features of abduction according to Peirce’s philosophical system. Then, I illustrate its implementation in a study on teaching. Finally, I underscore how abduction could contribute to build a broader scientifi c project in the intercept between basic and praxeological research.