Inductive Versus Deductive Reasoning

Inductive Reasoning

Draws likely or reasonable conclusions based on specific facts. Facts must be relevant and sufficient in order for the conclusion to be reasonable.

In an inductive process the researcher gathers lots of information and notices patterns in the information/data. These patterns are then generalized into a conclusion.

Deductive Reasoning

The example given here is fairly simple, but illustrates the idea that deduction works from a generality (the major premise) to come to a conclusion that is highly reliable. However, that reliability depends upon the premises being true.

For further discussion of these types of reasoning, click here.

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