According to (Anderson. 2010),
researchers have been “investigating brain areas involved in reasoning, and it
suggests that people can bring different systems to bear on different reasoning
problems” (p. 273). There are also two well-established logical methods of
reasoning that have been identified which are known as inductive and
deductive. Trying to understand these reasoning methods may be difficult
because the differences between them are subtle. Therefore, I have also provided a more in depth description and examples of each method below:
Inductive Reasoning
– This is a process of reasoning that involves the use of specific observations
to reach a general theory or logical conclusion. It can be categorized into
different types which include: statistical syllogism, simple induction,
generalization, false analogy, and casual inference. An inductive argument is
also evaluated based on whether it is strong or weak and there are many times
when the conclusion will be false even when the specific observations are true.
This is because the conclusion is based on an individual’s educated prediction
and/or bias thinking. Specific bias thinking that may occur with this type of
reasoning could be confirmation bias, availability heuristic, and the
predictable world bias.
Furthermore, when the specific observations
that are used to acquire the conclusion are false, the argument will be
considered “unsound.” Three examples of an inductive argument can also be as
follows:
Example
#1 – 100% of life forms on earth need water to survive. Since this is the case,
if a new planet is discovered, then that life form will probably also need
water to survive.
Example
#2 – The neighbor’s dog has a high pitched bark. I hear a high pitched bark
outside, so the neighbor’s dog must be barking.
Example
#3 – Every time I eat dairy products, I get cramps in my stomach. Therefore I must get cramps in my stomach because I eat dairy products.
Deductive Reasoning
– This is a process of reasoning that involves the use of a theory or general
statements to reach a specific logical conclusion. A deductive argument is
evaluated based on its overall level of validity and soundness. Since, this is
the case there are times when a deductive argument may be considered valid but
unsound. For example, when a specific conclusion is true, the argument may be
valid, even though the general statements that were used are false. Since, a
deductive argument is based on individual emotion and belief, there are also
many times when it may contain a certain level of bias thinking.
One example of bias thinking that can
occur is when there may be differences in beliefs among varying cultures.
Therefore, a deductive argument will only be considered sound if it is both
valid and the general statements are true. Three examples of a deductive
argument can also be as follows:
Example
#1 – All bachelors in the world are single. Joe is single. Joe is a bachelor.
Example
#2 – The members of the Johnston family include Becky, Arnold and Larry. Becky
is overweight. Arnold is overweight. Larry is overweight. Therefore, all
members of the Johnston family are overweight.
Example
#3 – Each day, I drive to work. This takes one hour. My job starts at nine o'
clock in the morning. Therefore, if I leave at eight o' clock in the morning, I
will get to work on time.
Reference:
Anderson,
R. J. (2010). Cognitive Psychology and
Its Implications (7th Edition). Worth Publishers.
New York, NY.
