Deductive and Inductive Reasoning

20th November 2012

(biology4kids, 2012)

Deduction

Deductive Reasoning is a way of reasoning from general to particular, it is employed in deriving general laws or principles from the observed phenomenon. With analogy and inductive reasoning, it constitutes the three basic modes of thinking.(businessdictionary, 2012)

In simple Deductive reasoning is the direction of thinking from general as the way of thinking from general assumption to specific application.

Induction

Inductive Reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories (drburney, 2012).
Induction can be categorized into two areas as follows:

1. Perfect Induction -  this is where selected characteristics of all members are analyzed.
2. Imperfect Induction -  a small, specific number of members in a group are analyzed.

Reference

1. Deductive Reasoning[Online]. Available on: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/deductive-reasoning.html (Viewed on: 11th December 2012)

2. Inductive & Deductive Research Approach[Online]. Available on: http://www.drburney.net/INDUCTIVE%20&%20DEDUCTIVE%20RESEARCH%20APPROACH%2006032008.pdf  (Viewed on: 13th December 2012)




Images

1. http://www.biology4kids.com/files/studies_logic.html