Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning Quiz

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates inductive reasoning?

• A scientist observes that the sun rises in the east every morning and concludes that the sun will rise in the east tomorrow.

• A mathematician uses a formula to calculate the area of a circle.

• A detective uses a fingerprint to identify a suspect.

• A student memorizes the periodic table for a chemistry test.

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

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

• Every time I eat peanuts, I sneeze. Therefore, I might be allergic to peanuts.

• The last three quizzes were easy, so the next quiz will be easy too.

• The sun has risen in the east every day, so it will rise in the east tomorrow.

A student is given a series of numbers: 2, 4, 6, 8. Using inductive reasoning, what is the next number in the series?

• 9

• 10

• 11

• 12

Evaluate the following argument: "If it rains, the ground will be wet. It is raining. Therefore, the ground is wet." What type of reasoning is this?

• Inductive

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Analogical

A teacher notices that students who study more tend to get better grades. She concludes that studying improves grades. What type of reasoning is she using?

• Inductive

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Analogical

Consider the following statement: "All birds can fly. Penguins are birds. Therefore, penguins can fly." Identify the flaw in this deductive reasoning.

• The premise is false.

• The conclusion is not supported by the premises.

• The argument is circular.

• The argument is based on an analogy.

A researcher observes that a specific plant grows faster in sunlight than in shade. She hypothesizes that sunlight accelerates plant growth. What type of reasoning is she using to form her hypothesis?

• Inductive

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Analogical

Which of the following best describes the process of deductive reasoning?

• Drawing a general conclusion from specific observations.

• Applying a general principle to reach a specific conclusion.

• Formulating a hypothesis based on limited evidence.

• Comparing two similar cases to draw a conclusion.

A student argues: "All cats are mammals. All mammals have a backbone. Therefore, all cats have a backbone." Is this argument valid, and why?

• Yes, because it uses valid deductive reasoning.

• No, because it uses invalid inductive reasoning.

• Yes, because it uses valid inductive reasoning.

• No, because it uses invalid deductive reasoning.

A scientist observes that a chemical reaction occurs faster at higher temperatures. She concludes that temperature affects reaction rates. What type of reasoning is this?

• Inductive

• Deductive

• Abductive

• Analogical