Question

Which one of the following is an example of inductive reasoning? A. Every lion you've seen on TV hunts gazelles, therefore all lions hunt gazelles. B. All tigers are mammals. All mammals are vertebrates. Therefore, tigers are vertebrates. C. Every lake contains water; therefore, Crater Lake contains water. D. Only plants have flowers. Tulips are a plant because they have flowers. E. The sun emits energy in the form of photons. Visible light is made of photos and thus light is a type of energy.

Short answer

A. Every lion you've seen on TV hunts gazelles, therefore all lions hunt gazelles.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the question

The question asks for an example of inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations based on specific observations or examples.

Option A Analysis

This option states: 'Every lion you've seen on TV hunts gazelles, therefore all lions hunt gazelles.' This is inductive reasoning, as it makes a general conclusion about all lions based on observed examples.

Option B Analysis

This option states: 'All tigers are mammals. All mammals are vertebrates. Therefore, tigers are vertebrates.' This is deductive reasoning, as it applies a general rule to a specific case.

Option C Analysis

This option states: 'Every lake contains water; therefore, Crater Lake contains water.' This is deductive reasoning, as it also applies a general rule to a specific instance.

Option D Analysis

This option states: 'Only plants have flowers. Tulips are a plant because they have flowers.' This is deductive reasoning, as it uses a known rule to classify tulips based on a characteristic.

Option E Analysis

This option states: 'The sun emits energy in the form of photons. Visible light is made of photons and thus light is a type of energy.' This is also deductive reasoning, as it applies general scientific principles to reach a conclusion.

Conclusion

Only option A fits the definition of inductive reasoning, which involves making a general conclusion based on specific observations.

Key concepts

Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning involves making broad generalizations based on specific observations. This type of reasoning progresses from observing particular outcomes and inferring a general rule.

For example, let's look at the exercise: 'Every lion you've seen on TV hunts gazelles, therefore all lions hunt gazelles.'
This is inductive reasoning because it takes specific cases (lions on TV hunting gazelles) and extrapolates it to all lions.

Key features include:

• Starting with specific observations
• Developing a general rule or concluion
• The conclusion may not be certain

Inductive reasoning is often used in everyday life and in science when making hypotheses.

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning works the opposite way of inductive reasoning. It starts with a general statement or hypothesis and then examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion.

Consider the statement from the exercise: 'All tigers are mammals. All mammals are vertebrates. Therefore, tigers are vertebrates.'
This is deductive reasoning because it begins with two general premises and derives a specific conclusion.

Key characteristics:

• Begins with general premises
• Reaches specific conclusions
• If premises are true, the conclusion must be true

Deductive reasoning is commonly used in mathematical proofs and logical arguments.

Generalization

Generalization refers to forming a general statement or concept based on a few examples. It's closely related to inductive reasoning.

In the exercise, the statement 'Every lion you've seen on TV hunts gazelles, therefore all lions hunt gazelles' is a generalization. It assumes that what's true for observed cases is true for all cases.

Important aspects:

• Based on specific examples
• Creates a broad conclusion
• May not always be accurate

Generalizations help us make sense of the world, but they should be tested with further observations or evidence.

Specific Observations

Specific observations are the foundation of inductive reasoning and generalization. They involve noting particular instances or facts.

For instance, in the given exercise, seeing multiple lions on TV hunting gazelles are specific observations. These individual cases lead to the broader conclusion that all lions hunt gazelles.

Key points:

• Important for forming hypotheses
• Provide detailed information
• Can be verified or measured

Accurate and repeated specific observations are crucial for robust inductive reasoning and reliable generalizations.