Understanding Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning: Reasoning that draws a general conclusion based on a set of examples.

Basic pattern of Inductive Reasoning

a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h are part of group A.

a, b, c, d, e, f, g and h have property G.

All member of group A have property G.

In Science it starts with observations and sees the patterns in the observations developing a hypothesis as general description of the observations.

The benefits of Inductive Reasoning are that it allows for general conclusions to be drawn from specific observations evidence, allowing conclusions based on patterns in observations and evidence.

Problems with Inductive Reasoning include the possibility that the sample size may be too small for a general conclusion. It is prone to being affected by philosophical assumptions and biases in selection of sample, in the patterns recognized, and in conclusions drawn from those