Question

The type of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion is called ________. a. deductive reasoning b. the scientific method c. hypothesis-based science d. inductive reasoning

Short answer

The type of logical thinking that uses related observations to arrive at a general conclusion is called \(d. \textrm{inductive reasoning}\).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terms

Familiarize yourself with the definitions of the four answer choices: a. Deductive reasoning: It is a type of logical thinking that starts with general principles and derives specific conclusions from them. b. The scientific method: It is a process for conducting logical and empirical investigations that involve asking questions, forming hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing that data to come to a conclusion. c. Hypothesis-based science: It is a scientific approach that uses observations to formulate a hypothesis, which is then tested through experimentation and analyzed to draw conclusions. d. Inductive reasoning: It is a type of logical thinking that involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations or instances.

Match the correct term

Find the term that best fits the description of using related observations to arrive at a general conclusion. Deductive reasoning starts with general principles rather than observations, so it does not fit the description. The scientific method and hypothesis-based science involve formulating hypotheses and conducting experiments, which is not the focus of the description. Inductive reasoning involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations or instances, which matches the description.

State the correct answer

Based on the understanding of the terms and their definitions, the correct answer is: d. inductive reasoning

Key concepts

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is a critical foundation of logic and scientific inquiry. In essence, it involves making conclusions based on the logic of multiple premises that are generally assumed to be true.

For example, we might start with a broad statement such as 'All mammals breathe air.' If we then consider a second statement that 'Whales are mammals,' using deductive reasoning, we conclude that 'Whales breathe air.' This form of reasoning moves from a general principle to a specific instance, and its outcomes are seen as certain provided that the premises are true.

Why Deductive Reasoning?

This methodology is particularly powerful in mathematics and formal sciences where axioms or well-defined principles pave the way to undisputable conclusions through logical steps. In education, understanding deductive reasoning helps students develop structured, hypothesis-driven approaches to problems rather than relying on speculative or empirical methods.

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a meticulous process of investigation widely accepted as a reliable means to discover truths about the natural world. It involves several clearly defined steps:

• Observation: Identifying or noting a phenomenon that prompts a question.
• Research: Gathering information about the observation.
• Hypothesis formulation: Making an educated guess to explain the observation.
• Experimentation: Designing and conducting a test to validate the hypothesis.
• Analysis: Interpreting the data collected from the experiment.
• Conclusion: Drawing inferences from the data analysis and deciding whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis.

The scientific method emphasizes reproducibility and peer review as integral parts of establishing scientific knowledge. This approach underpins our understanding of biology, chemistry, physics, and other sciences. It also fosters critical thinking among students and researchers by providing a structured framework for inquiry.

Hypothesis-Based Science

Hypothesis-based science is deeply intertwined with the scientific method. It begins with an observation that leads to a question. Researchers then construct a hypothesis - an educated guess or a testable statement that provides a tentative explanation for the observation.

The hallmark of hypothesis-based science is its reliance on experimentation to verify these hypotheses. A well-designed experiment will collect empirical evidence that either supports or challenges the hypothesis. This iterative process involves both inductive and deductive reasoning:

• Inductive reasoning is used when forming the hypothesis based on multiple observations.
• Deductive reasoning comes into play when predicting outcomes of an experiment, as the experiment's results will be specific instances of the general hypothesis.

Thus, hypothesis-based science is a dynamic and continual process aimed at building and refining scientific knowledge. Its application is widespread, from testing new medicines to exploring ecological interactions, and it is a foundational concept for students to master for a strong understanding of how scientific discoveries are made.