Types of Reasoning: Abductive, Inductive, Deductive

What is deductive reasoning?

• Reasoning from specific cases to general principles

• Reasoning from general principles to specific cases

• Reasoning based on assumptions

• Reasoning based on emotions

Answer explanation

Deductive reasoning involves starting with general principles and applying them to specific cases. This contrasts with inductive reasoning, which moves from specific instances to broader generalizations.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following best describes inductive reasoning?

• Drawing a specific conclusion from a general statement

• Making a generalization based on specific observations

• Assuming a conclusion without evidence

• Using emotional appeal to persuade

Answer explanation

Inductive reasoning involves making a generalization based on specific observations. This means drawing broader conclusions from particular instances, which is accurately described by the correct choice.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is abductive reasoning primarily used for?

• To deduce conclusions from premises

• To generate hypotheses based on observations

• To confirm a hypothesis with evidence

• To argue emotionally

Answer explanation

Abductive reasoning is primarily used to generate hypotheses based on observations. It involves inferring the most likely explanation for a set of data, making it distinct from deduction or confirmation.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

• All birds can fly. A penguin is a bird. Therefore, a penguin can fly.

• All mammals have lungs. A whale is a mammal. Therefore, a whale has lungs.

• Some dogs are brown. My dog is brown. Therefore, all dogs are brown.

• I saw a swan and it was white. Therefore, all swans are white.

Answer explanation

The correct choice demonstrates deductive reasoning by applying a general rule (all mammals have lungs) to a specific case (a whale is a mammal), leading to a valid conclusion (a whale has lungs).

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Identify the reasoning type: "The sun has risen in the east every day so far, so it will rise in the east tomorrow."

• Deductive reasoning

• Inductive reasoning

• Abductive reasoning

• Emotional reasoning

Answer explanation

This reasoning is inductive because it draws a general conclusion based on specific observations (the sun rising in the east every day) to predict a future event (it will rise in the east tomorrow).

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which scenario best illustrates abductive reasoning?

• Concluding that it will rain because the sky is cloudy

• Assuming a person is sick because they are sneezing

• Inferring that a plant needs water because it is wilting

• All of the above

Answer explanation

All scenarios illustrate abductive reasoning as they involve drawing conclusions based on observations: cloudy skies suggest rain, sneezing may indicate illness, and wilting plants typically need water.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Evaluate the reasoning: "If all humans are mortal and Socrates is a human, then Socrates is mortal."

• The reasoning is effective because it follows a logical structure.

• The reasoning is ineffective because it lacks evidence.

• The reasoning is effective because it is a popular opinion.

• The reasoning is ineffective because it is too complex.

Answer explanation

The reasoning is effective because it follows a logical structure. It uses a syllogism: if all humans are mortal and Socrates is a human, it logically concludes that Socrates must be mortal.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Analyze the argument: "The grass is wet, so it must have rained." What type of reasoning is used?

• Inductive reasoning

• Deductive reasoning

• Abductive reasoning

• Circular reasoning

Answer explanation

The argument uses abductive reasoning, which infers the best explanation for an observation. Here, the wet grass suggests rain as the most likely cause, though other explanations (like sprinklers) are possible.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Consider the argument: "If it is snowing, then it is cold. It is snowing. Therefore, it is cold." What type of reasoning is this?

• Inductive reasoning

• Deductive reasoning

• Abductive reasoning

• Emotional reasoning

Answer explanation

The argument follows a logical structure: if 'A' (it is snowing) is true, then 'B' (it is cold) must also be true. This is characteristic of deductive reasoning, where a conclusion is drawn from general premises.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What is the main characteristic of inductive reasoning?

• It guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true.

• It involves making predictions based on past observations.

• It is based on emotional appeal.

• It involves drawing conclusions from specific cases.

Answer explanation

Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations. The correct choice highlights that it predicts future outcomes based on past experiences, distinguishing it from deductive reasoning.

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DOK Level 1: Recall