Types of Reasoning

This type of reasoning seeks to find an explanation. It is about thinking of a possible cause to an effect. It may or may not be correct.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive

This type of reasoning begins with a general rule or fact and then creates specific conclusions based on the general fact. The specific ideas will be correct as long as the general idea is true.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive

This type of reasoning starts with smaller facts or examples that lead to larger, general conclusions. The bigger, general conclusion may or may not be true.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive

All actors in the Harry Potter movies are from the United Kingdom. Emma Watson plays Hermione in the Harry Potter series. Emma Watson is from the UK.

• Abductive

• Inductive

• Deductive

The Chargers lost their first game. Then they lost their second game. They will have a losing season.

• Abductive

• Inductive

• Deductive

4 out of 5 times I beat Corey at pool, and I'm going to play him tomorrow. So, I'll very likely win.

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Inductive

A doctor examines a patient's symptoms and makes a diagnosis for what may be causing them to feel sick.

• Inductive

• Deductive

• Abductive

All birds lay eggs. Penguins lay eggs. Emus lay eggs. Penguins and emus are birds.

• Deductive

• Inductive

• Abductive

To graduate from the university, students need to earn 40 credits. James is graduating next week. Therefore, James earned 40 credits.

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Inductive

The table next to me at Panera has a bowl of soup on it, but no one is sitting there. Maybe they are in the restroom and will return soon.

• Abductive

• Deductive

• Inductive