what are inductive and deductive reasoning? how do these processes differ? course hero

by Joyce Turcotte 3 min read

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.

Full Answer

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

If A = B and B = C, then A must equal C. Inductive reasoning is the act of making generalized conclusions based off of specific scenarios. Deductive reasoning is the act of backing up a generalized statement with specific scenarios. Inductive and deductive reasoning are essentially opposite ways to arrive at a conclusion or proposition.

What are some examples of deductive reasoning?

We'll use a classic example of deductive reasoning here – because I used to study Greek Archaeology, history, and language: As you can see here, we start off with a general theory – that all men are mortal. (This is assuming you don't believe in elves, fairies, and other beings...)

How do you use inductive reasoning to conduct research?

When you're using inductive reasoning to conduct research, you're basing your conclusions off your observations. You gather information - from talking to people, reading old newspapers, observing people, animals, or objects in their natural habitat, and so on. Inductive reasoning helps you take these observations and form them into a theory.

What comes first inductive or deductive in research?

So inductive reasoning usually comes before deductive in your research process. Once you have a theory, you'll want to test it to see if it's valid and your conclusions are sound. You do this by performing experiments and testing your theory, narrowing down your ideas as the results come in.

What are inductive and deductive reasoning How do these processes differ?

What's the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning? Inductive reasoning is a bottom-up approach, while deductive reasoning is top-down. Inductive reasoning takes you from the specific to the general, while in deductive reasoning, you make inferences by going from general premises to specific conclusions.

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning quizlet?

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning? Inductive reasoning begins with specific observations and comes up with generalizations where deductive reasoning begins with generalizations and moves toward specific predictions.

What is the main difference between deductive and inductive arguments?

If the arguer believes that the truth of the premises definitely establishes the truth of the conclusion, then the argument is deductive. If the arguer believes that the truth of the premises provides only good reasons to believe the conclusion is probably true, then the argument is inductive.

What is deductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning is a logical process in which a conclusion is based on the concordance of multiple premises that are generally assumed to be true. Deductive reasoning is sometimes referred to as top-down logic. Deductive reasoning relies on making logical premises and basing a conclusion around those premises.

What is deductive and inductive reasoning explain with examples?

Inductive Reasoning: Most of our snowstorms come from the north. It's starting to snow. This snowstorm must be coming from the north. Deductive Reasoning: All of our snowstorms come from the north.

What is the difference between induction and deduction?

Deductive reasoning, or deduction, is making an inference based on widely accepted facts or premises. If a beverage is defined as "drinkable through a straw," one could use deduction to determine soup to be a beverage. Inductive reasoning, or induction, is making an inference based on an observation, often of a sample.

What Inductive reasoning means?

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 go from general information to specific conclusions. Inductive reasoning is also called inductive logic or bottom-up reasoning.

Why is inductive and deductive reasoning important?

It is important to learn and practice deductive and inductive reasoning because it develops your critical thinking skills, which allow you to improve your problem-solving abilities, increase interpersonal and leadership skills, and help you to empathize with others.

What is an example of inductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning examples Here are some examples of inductive reasoning: Data: I see fireflies in my backyard every summer. Hypothesis: This summer, I will probably see fireflies in my backyard. Data: Every dog I meet is friendly.

What is inductive and deductive research?

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 generalisations, and deductive reasoning the other way around.

What is Deductive Reasoning?

In order to use deductive reasoning, you have to have a theory to begin with. So inductive reasoning usually comes before deductive in your research process.

How does inductive reasoning help you?

Inductive reasoning helps you take these observations and form them into a theory. So you're starting with some more specific information (what you've seen/heard) and you're using it to form a more general theory about the way things are.

What are the two methods of research?

If you're conducting research on a topic, you'll use various strategies and methods to gather information and come to a conclusion. Two of those methods are inductive and deductive reasoning . So what's the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning, when should you use each method, and is one better than the other?

What are the three types of inductive reasoning?

If you want to dig deeper into inductive reasoning, look into the three different types – generalization, analogy, and causal inference . You can also look into the two main methods of inductive reasoning, enumerative and eliminative. But those things are a bit out of the scope of this beginner's guide. :)

What is top down reasoning?

I think it helps to think of this as " reductive " reasoning – you're reducing your theories and hypotheses down into certain conclusions.

How to test a theory?

You do this by performing experiments and testing your theory, narrowing down your ideas as the results come in. You perform these tests until only valid conclusions remain.

How does the author come to his conclusions?

But still, remember how he gets to his conclusions: starting with observations and evidence, processing that evidence to come up with a hypothesis, and then forming a theory (however strong/true-seeming) about what happened .

What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning?

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 ...

What is deductive research?

Deductive research approach. When 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: Start with an existing theory.

What are the limitations of an inductive approach?

Limitations of an inductive approach. A conclusion drawn on the basis of an inductive method can never be proven, but it can be invalidated. Example. You observe 1000 flights from low-cost airlines. All of them experience a delay, which is in line with your theory.

How many stages are there in deductive research?

The deductive research approach consists of four stages:

When is it common to perform inductive research?

When 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:

Can deductive reasoning be true?

The conclusions of deductive reasoning can only be true if all the premises set in the inductive study are true and the terms are clear.

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Inductive Research Approach

  • When there is little to no existing literature on a topic, it is common to perform inductive researchbecause there is no theory to test. The inductive approach consists of three stages: 1. Observation 1.1. A low-cost airline flight is delayed 1.2. Dogs A and B have fleas 1.3. Elephants depend on water to exist 2. Observe a pattern 2.1. Another 20 flights from low-cost airlines are d…
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Deductive Research Approach

  • When 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: 1. Start with an existing theory (and create a problem statement) 1.1. Low cost airlines always hav…
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Combining Inductive and Deductive Research

  • Many 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.
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