1.

Inductive generalization

Inductive generalizations use observations about a sample to conclude about the

population it came from. It also involves considering evidence from past similar
situations to create a conclusion.

Example: Inductive generalization

1. The flamingos here are all pink.

2. All flamingos I’ve ever seen are pink.
3. All flamingos must be pink.

2. Statistical argument

Statistical arguments use specific numbers to make statements about populations.

This type of inductive reasoning utilizes statistical data (percentage, fraction etc.)
to draw conclusions.

90% of the sales team met their quota last month. Pat is on the sales team. Pat
likely met his sales quota last month.

3. Causal arguments

Causal argument means making cause-and-effect links between different things.

This type of thinking involves making a logical connection between a cause and a
likely effect.

A causal reasoning statement often follows a standard setup:

 1. You start with a premise about a correlation (two events that co-occur).
2. You put forward the specific direction of causality or refute any other
direction.
3. You conclude with a causal statement about the relationship between two
things.

Joe consistently gets a stomachache after eating pears. He doesn't get a

stomachache consistently after eating any other type of fruit. Eating the pears
might cause Joe's stomachache.

4. Argument from Analogy

Argument from analogy means drawing conclusions about something based on its
similarities to another thing.

You first link two things together and then conclude that some attribute of one
thing must also hold true for the other thing.

Analogical reasoning can be literal (closely similar) or figurative (abstract), but

you’ll have a much stronger case when you use a literal comparison. Analogical
reasoning is also called comparison reasoning.

1. Humans and laboratory rats are extremely similar biologically, sharing over
90% of their DNA.
2. Lab rats show promising results when treated with a new drug for managing
Parkinson’s disease.
3. Therefore, humans will also show promising results when treated with the
drug.
 5. Predictive Argument

A prediction is a statement about what may or will happen in the future. In a

predictive argument, a prediction is defended with reasons. Predictive arguments
are among the most common patterns of inductive reasoning.

6. Argument from Authority

An argument from authority asserts a claim and then supports that claim by citing
some presumed authority or witness who has said that the claim is true.