Deductive Reasoning Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning
• The difference: inductive reasoning uses patterns to arrive at a conclusion (conjecture)
deductive reasoning uses facts, rules,
definitions or properties to arrive at a conclusion. • Inductive reasoning - Think of it like a We start with specifics and move to generalities
• Deductive reasoning – think of it like a
We start with generalities and move to specifics. Examples of Inductive Reasoning Some examples
1) Every quiz has been easy. Therefore, the
test will be easy. 2) The teacher used PowerPoint in the last few classes. Therefore, the teacher will use PowerPoint tomorrow. 3) Every fall there have been hurricanes in the tropics. Therefore, there will be hurricanes in the tropics this coming fall. Deductive Reasoning An Example:
The catalog states that all entering
freshmen must take a mathematics placement test. You are an entering freshman. Conclusion: You will have to take a mathematics placement test. 90% of humans are right handed. Joe is human, therefore Joe is right handed. You are a good student. You get all A’s Therefore your friends must get all A’s too All oranges are fruits. All fruits grow on trees Therefore, all oranges grow on trees Mikhail hails from Russia and Russians are tall, therefore Mikhail is tall