Final answer:
The statement implying that theory generation (induction) is not essential to the research process is false. Both inductive and deductive reasoning are critical components of the scientific method and necessary for the progression of scientific knowledge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that theory testing (deduction) is an essential part of the research process, whereas theory generation (induction) is not, is false. Both deductive and inductive reasoning are integral aspects of scientific inquiry, influencing the way research is conducted and theories are formed. In the scientific method, induction is used to develop general theories from specific observations, while deduction applies these theories to predict specific results.
Scientific knowledge advances through a circular process of proposing hypotheses, testing them, and making new observations based on the results. This process relies on both deductive reasoning, which moves from general principles to specific conclusions, and inductive reasoning, which moves from specific observations to broader generalizations. The assumption that premises are true is the starting point for testing both types of inferences.
It is essential to understand that in the scientific method, neither deductive nor inductive reasoning holds superiority over the other; they are both necessary for the advancement of scientific knowledge. Hence, the initial assertion that theory generation is not essential clearly contradicts the practice of generating scientific knowledge, making the correct response to the question 'b. false'.