“Deductive reasoning is the procedure for utilising the given information. On the other hand, Inductive reasoning is the procedure of achieving it.” – Henry Mayhew.
Inductive and deductive reasoning both take into account assumptions and inferences. Deductive reasoning begins with an assumption and moves from generalised instances to a certain conclusion. On the other hand, inductive reasoning begins with a conclusion and moves from certain incidents to a generalised conclusion.
Deductive Reasoning Strategy
The deductive reasoning method starts with a theory-driven hypothesis that directs data collection and investigation.
If there is an existing theory to explain a specific topic, you form a hypothesis based on that theory that guides data collection and analysis. You might design a particular survey to collect information about a set of variables in your hypothesis, which you then evaluate.
Stages of Deductive Reasoning:
- Existing Theory
- All mangoes are fruits (general statement)
- All dancers know how to sing (general statement)
- Hypothesis
- All fruits have seeds (general statement)
- Seema knows how to sing (general statement)
- Data Collection
- Collect different types of fruits to see if they have seeds.
- Collect information about singers and dancers to know how many of them can dance and sing.
- Conclusion
- Mangoes have seeds (specific conclusion/confirmation)
- Hence, Seema is a dancer (rejection)
Limitations of Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning considers no other evidence except the given premises. The conclusion is drawn based on proof. The basic premise needs to be true to draw a positive conclusion about the theory.
Example
- All mangoes are fruits (premise)
- All fruits have seeds (premise)
- Mangoes have seeds (conclusion)
From the first and second premises in the above example, the third statement is concluded.
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Inductive Reasoning Strategy
The inductive reasoning method starts with a research-based question and data collection to develop a hypothesis and theory.
If you have a research question that is a testable concept, you proceed with data collection about the connection between two or more observations. Based on those observations, you form a hypothesis which you use to evaluate and develop a theory.
Stages of Inductive Reasoning:
- Research Question
- Does regular exercise promote maximum weight loss?
- Are all cats brown?
- Observation
- Regular exercise enables maximum weight loss.
- All cats in this area are brown.
- Observing Patterns
- You might begin by collecting relevant data from a group of individuals. Try to understand their views and experiences through conducting surveys and interviews.
- You can examine cats from different areas to find out if all of them are brow.
- Confirmation or Rejection
- Regular exercise promotes maximum weight loss if it is incorporated with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- All cats in this particular area are brown, but not all cats are generally brown.
Limitations of Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning may be logically true, but may or may not be realistically true. Your consequences are likely to be wrong.
Example
Suppose we take an example of a fruit basket and pick up two raw fruits, and assume that all the fruits in the basket are raw. It might be apparently true, but it may not be logically true because there might be ripe fruits along with the raw fruits.
Inductive Vs. Deductive Reasoning Comparative Analysis
| Aspect | Inductive Reasoning | Deductive Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Involves creating conclusions from experience or observations. | Using proofs and facts to identify the conclusion. |
| Basis | Based on guesses. | Based on facts. |
| Conclusion | Can be true or false. | If starting facts are true, deductive reasoning is true and vice versa. |
| Information Flow | Information is collected to create new ideas. | Already known facts are used. |
| Certainty | No guarantee; it can be weak or strong. | If correct logic is used, it is most reliable. |
| Logic | It may give false answers as it involves guessing. | Based on facts, so if other facts are logical, results are accurate. |
| Dependence on Evidence | Depends on the collected evidence. | Depends on given facts; correct only if the facts are true. |
| Usage in Life | Used on a daily basis, such as superstition, law, and science prediction. | It can be used in maths, science, and law. |
| Examples |
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| Disadvantages | Not always correct; can be wrong if the information is incomplete. | If it starts with a wrong fact, the conclusion will not be accurate. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Deductive reasoning begins with an assumption and moves from generalised instances to a certain conclusion. Inductive reasoning begins with a conclusion and moves from certain instances to a generalised conclusion.
Regular exercise promotes maximum weight loss if it is incorporated with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- All mangoes are fruits. All fruits have seeds. Mangoes have seeds.
- All dancers know how to sing. Seema knows how to sing. Hence, Seema is a dancer.
