Inductive Reasoning

is the process of reaching a general conclusion by

examining specific observations. Few particular premises
create a pattern which gives way to a general conclusion
that is likely true.
This is commonly shown using a triangle that starts at a
narrow premises and expand into a broader conclusion.

Unlike deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning has no basic standard format when we
use it so as long as we are finding a conclusion that is more likely to feed the premises
then we can make predictions, create general realizations, and analyze cause and
effect.
Premises in deductive reasoning are used to prove conclusion while premises in
inductive reasoning are us to predict a conclusion.
Examples of Inductive Reasoning:

Example 1:
Yesterday morning, Ysa went jogging.
PREMISES
This morning, she jogged again.

Therefore, Ysa will probably jog tomorrow morning.

Probable Conclusion

Example 2:
Compare these inductive arguments:

1. I found The Big Bang Theory American television sitcom funny. So, my friends
will surely find it funny.
2. Given: 3,6,9,12,15
The next term is going to be 18.

(On the left, two statements are likely true on their own but the first premise does
not predict the second to be true. On the right, we can see that these numbers
are all multiples of 3 in ascending order. So, it is logical to say that the next term
after 15 is 18 because the premises identify a pattern. Thus, the reasoning on the
left is weak while the right is strong)

Determine the kind of reasoning used in each argument.

1. The teacher used Google Classroom in the Last few Classes. Therefore, the
teacher will use Google Classroom tomorrow. (Inductive reasoning)
2. All license drivers are 18 years old and above. Marcus has a driver’s license.
Therefore, Marcus is at least 18 years old. (Deductive reasoning)
3. All spiders have eight legs. Black widows are spiders. Thus, black widows
have eight legs. (Deductive reasoning)
4. My father has a black hair. My brother has a black hair. Therefore, everyone I
am related to has a black hair. (Inductive reasoning)