Paula begins to notice that there are patterns to where people sit on the bus, and these patterns differ depending on whether the rider is male or female. based on these observations, she generates a theory about the behaviors of men and women. this is an example of which kind of research approach?

This an example of "inductive" research approach.

Inductive approach begins with the perceptions and theories are proposed towards the finish of the exploration procedure because of observations. Inductive research "includes the look for design from perception and the improvement of clarifications – speculations – for those examples through arrangement of hypotheses". No theories or theories would apply in inductive investigations toward the start of the exploration and the analyst is free regarding modifying the course for the examination after the exploration procedure had initiated.  

answer; ///(positive correlation);