The term “inductive reasoning” refers to the process of using specific information to make a broader generalization, while keeping the possibility of the conclusion being incorrect open.

Let’s explore some examples of inductive reasoning, which is the process of making an informed guess or educated decision based on data or information. It might sound right, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is correct.

In addition to these, you will also discover different kinds of prevalent inductive reasoning. The strength and weakness of inductive arguments and reasoning have different levels.

Inductive Generalizations

By using a small sample, you can draw a conclusion about the entire population. For instance:

The left-handed people I know use left-handed scissors; therefore, all left-handed people use left-handed scissors.

Statistical Induction

Similar to inductive generalizations, statistical induction utilizes a limited set of statistics to form a generalization. For instance:

Since 95% of the left-handers I’ve seen around the world use left-handed scissors, 95% of left-handers around the world use left-handed scissors.

Causal Inference

In causal inference inductive reasoning, you use inductive logic to draw a causal link between a premise and hypothesis. As an example:.

In the summer, there are ducks on our pond. Therefore, summer will bring ducks to our pond.

Analogical Induction

In this form of inductive reasoning, you formulate a hypothesis by examining two comparable premises and their resemblances, such as:.

Mary and Jim are left-handed and use left-handed scissors.

Bill is also left-handed.

Conclusion: Bill also uses left-handed scissors.

Predictive Induction

This is where you can potentially form a conclusion about the future by utilizing data from the past. For instance:

In the past, ducks have always come to our pond. Therefore, the ducks will come to our pond this summer.

Now, you’ve looked at a few more examples to help you understand, examine the types of these inductive reasoning, which work in arguments and in formulating a hypothesis in mathematics or science.

Examples of Inductive Reasoning

To gain a better understanding of the concept of inductive reasoning, you can tell the type of reasoning it is by looking at a few different examples.

Reserve Your Reasoning

You can test it by following these easy steps. You might want to consider formulating your own hypothesis to test the facts. It might help you draw valid conclusions that the logic of another person’s reasoning, specifically inductive reasoning, can assist you. It doesn’t necessarily make it factual, but you can see that it borders on high probability in inductive reasoning.