Doing Programmatic Research: Two Case Studies from Social Psychology

As a new researcher, transferring knowledge of the scientific process into an actual contribution to that process can be difficult. The purpose of this article is to first demonstrate how a deductive vs. inductive approach can be implemented in a program of research, and second to provide insights on using each approach in the science of psychology. Specifically, the histories of Michael A. Hogg's and John A. Bargh's programmatic research will be traced, followed by a critical comparison of each method. Finally, insights on doing programmatic research in psychology will be discussed.