Which term describes reasoning that moves from specific observations to broad generalizations?

Which term describes reasoning that moves from specific observations to broad generalizations?

• A. Deductive Reasoning
• B. Inductive Reasoning
• C. Correlative Conjunction
• D. Mnemonic Device

Answer: (B)

Inductive reasoning describes reasoning that moves from specific observations to broad generalizations. It starts with concrete examples and looks for patterns to form a general rule. For instance, noticing several swans you’ve seen are white might lead you to generalize that all swans are white. This approach helps explain how we build general ideas from evidence. In contrast, deductive reasoning goes from a general principle to a specific case. The other two terms aren’t about drawing conclusions from evidence—they refer to a grammar tool used to connect paired ideas and a memory aid, respectively.

Inductive reasoning describes reasoning that moves from specific observations to broad generalizations. It starts with concrete examples and looks for patterns to form a general rule. For instance, noticing several swans you’ve seen are white might lead you to generalize that all swans are white. This approach helps explain how we build general ideas from evidence. In contrast, deductive reasoning goes from a general principle to a specific case. The other two terms aren’t about drawing conclusions from evidence—they refer to a grammar tool used to connect paired ideas and a memory aid, respectively.