Which of the following terms describes reasoning that moves from specific observations to broader generalizations?
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Published on April 18, 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk. Revised on July 21, 2022. The main difference between inductive and deductive reasoning is that inductive reasoning aims at developing a theory while deductive reasoning aims at testing an existing theory. Inductive
reasoning moves from specific observations to broad generalizations, and deductive reasoning the other way around. Both approaches are used in various types of research, and it’s not uncommon to combine them in one large study. Inductive research approachWhen there is little to no existing literature on a topic, it is common to perform inductive research because there is no theory to test. The inductive approach consists of three stages:
Limitations of an inductive approachA conclusion drawn on the basis of an inductive method can never be proven, but it can be invalidated. Example Deductive research approachWhen conducting deductive research, you always start with a theory (the result of inductive research). Reasoning deductively means testing these theories. If there is no theory yet, you cannot conduct deductive research. The deductive research approach consists of four stages:
Limitations of a deductive approachThe conclusions of deductive reasoning can only be true if all the premises set in the inductive study are true and the terms are clear. Example
Based on the premises we have, the conclusion must be true. However, if the first premise turns out to be false, the conclusion that Benno has fleas cannot be relied upon. Combining inductive and deductive researchMany scientists conducting a larger research project begin with an inductive study (developing a theory). The inductive study is followed up with deductive research to confirm or invalidate the conclusion. In the examples above, the conclusion (theory) of the inductive study is also used as a starting point for the deductive study. Frequently asked questions about inductive vs deductive reasoningWhat is inductive reasoning? Inductive reasoning is a method of drawing conclusions by going from the specific to the general. It’s usually contrasted with deductive reasoning, where you proceed from general information to specific conclusions. Inductive reasoning is also called inductive logic or bottom-up reasoning. Sources in this articleWe strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. You can cite our article (APA Style) or take a deep dive into the articles below. This Scribbr article
Is this article helpful?You have already voted. Thanks :-) Your vote is saved :-) Processing your vote... Which of the following reasoning makes broad generalizations from specific observations?Inductive reasoning:
This reasoning starts with a specific situations or facts on a topic from which conclusions can be drawn. Induction moves from a single observation to a larger pattern from which a broad generalization can be made.
What is inductive and deductive?Inductive reasoning involves starting from specific premises and forming a general conclusion, while deductive reasoning involves using general premises to form a specific conclusion. Conclusions reached via deductive reasoning cannot be incorrect if the premises are true.
Which term means a process of reasoning that moves from specific instances to a generalization?Inductive reasoning begins with observations that are specific and limited in scope, and proceeds to a generalized conclusion that is likely, but not certain, in light of accumulated evidence. You could say that inductive reasoning moves from the specific to the general.
What kind of reasoning explains the statements from generalization to specific?deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning is a bottom-up approach, while deductive reasoning is top-down. In deductive reasoning, you make inferences by going from general premises to specific conclusions.
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