Deductive and Inductive Flashcards

A geologist finds the same type of rock layer in multiple locations and infers they were formed during the same geological period. This is an example of:

Answer: Inductive reasoning from observed patterns

Inferring a general geological event from multiple observed rock layer patterns is inductive reasoning.

Hypothetical syllogism is a valid deductive argument form. Which example correctly illustrates it?

Answer: If A then B; if B then C; therefore if A then C

Hypothetical syllogism chains two conditional statements: if A→B and B→C, then A→C follows necessarily.

A survey of 2,000 randomly selected US adults finds 63% support a policy. The researcher concludes that roughly 63% of all US adults support it. This is:

Answer: An inductive statistical inference subject to margin of error

Projecting sample statistics to a population is inductive reasoning, and results carry a margin of error.

Which situation illustrates a SOUND deductive argument?

Answer: All mammals breathe air; whales are mammals; therefore whales breathe air

This argument is valid (conclusion follows from premises) and sound because both premises are actually true.

The CCTST evaluates inductive reasoning partly by testing whether test-takers can recognize when a conclusion:

Answer: Goes beyond what the evidence logically supports

Recognizing that inductive conclusions can exceed evidential support is a key critical thinking skill assessed by the CCTST.

Which argument uses disjunctive syllogism correctly?

Answer: P or Q; not P; therefore Q

Disjunctive syllogism: given 'P or Q' and 'not P', the conclusion 'Q' follows validly.

Which of the following BEST characterizes abductive reasoning compared to inductive and deductive reasoning?

Answer: It selects the most likely explanation for observed facts, making it a form of inference to the best explanation

Abductive reasoning selects the hypothesis that best explains the evidence, making it inference to the best explanation rather than generalization.