Deductive vs Inductive Reasoning

Deductive vs Inductive Reasoning

When you hear Deductive and Inductive, what comes to mind?

By: Jeneisha Hanson

Reasoning

This is defined as the act of contriving thoughts and observations into valid arguments.

There are different types of reasoning. They include casual, deductive and inductive, of which we will be discussing two.

Open Ended

what is Deductive Reasoning?

Deductive Reasoning

• Deductive reasoning is defined as using given information, hypothesis or accepted general rules to reach a proven conclusion

• Makes specific conclusions from general arguments

• General arguments → specific conclusions

• Logically and realistically true

• eg. I must have 23 credits to move on to year 3. I only have 20 credits. I cannot move on to year 3

Deductive Reasoning Process

• The process of deductive reasoning involves the following steps

• Initial Assumption

• Second Premise

• Testing

• Conclusion

Open Ended

What is Inductive Reasoning?

Inductive Reasoning

• This is the opposite of deductive reasoning. Inductive is defined as a method of logical thinking; using observations combined with experiential information already known to be true to reach a conclusion.

• Makes broad generalizations from specific observations

• Specific argument→ general conclusions

• Logically true; may/ may not be realistically true

• eg. Conrad is a father. Conrad is bald. All fathers are bald.,.

Inductive Reasoning Process

• The process of inductive reasoning involves the following steps

• Observation

• Theory

• Induction

References

• Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/inductive-and-deductive- reasoning.html#:~:text=Inductive%20and%20deductive%20reasoning% 20both%20strive%20to%20construct%20a%20valid%20argument.&text= Therefore%2C%20inductive%20reasoning%20moves%20from,a%20true% 20and%20specific%20conclusionreasoning

• Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive Reasoning | Live Science. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/21569-deduction-vs-induction.html

• Deductive Reasoning: Definition and Examples | Indeed.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/deductive-reasoning

References Cont'd

• Deductive Reasoning: Definition and Examples | Indeed.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/deductive-reasoning#2

• Deductive vs Inductive - Difference and Comparison | Diffen. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.diffen.com/difference/Deductive_vs_Inductive

• Inductive Reasoning: Definition and Examples | Indeed.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/inductive-reasoning