Which term best matches the description Broad generalizations, general to specific?

Which term best matches the description Broad generalizations, general to specific?

• A. Inductive Reasoning
• B. Deductive Reasoning
• C. Abductive Reasoning
• D. Theories

Answer: (A)

Inductive reasoning builds broad generalizations from many specific observations. You start with particular instances or data, notice patterns across them, and then infer a general rule that explains those patterns. For example, after observing many specific occurrences that share a trait, you conclude a general principle that applies beyond any single case. That’s why broad generalizations describe the outcome of this approach. The other processes work differently. Deductive reasoning moves from a general rule to a specific conclusion, not from specifics to a general rule. Abductive reasoning seeks the best explanation for a set of observations, rather than a general rule derived from multiple cases. Theories are broad explanatory frameworks, not a description of the reasoning direction itself.

Inductive reasoning builds broad generalizations from many specific observations. You start with particular instances or data, notice patterns across them, and then infer a general rule that explains those patterns. For example, after observing many specific occurrences that share a trait, you conclude a general principle that applies beyond any single case. That’s why broad generalizations describe the outcome of this approach.

The other processes work differently. Deductive reasoning moves from a general rule to a specific conclusion, not from specifics to a general rule. Abductive reasoning seeks the best explanation for a set of observations, rather than a general rule derived from multiple cases. Theories are broad explanatory frameworks, not a description of the reasoning direction itself.