Inductive vs. Deductive — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 16, 2023
Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations; it starts with details and leads to a general principle. Deductive reasoning does the opposite: it starts with a general principle and applies it to specific cases.
Difference Between Inductive and Deductive
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Inductive reasoning involves moving from specific instances or observations to broader generalizations and theories.
Deductive reasoning, in contrast, starts with general theories or principles and tests them against specific observations or instances.
Inductive reasoning often involves gathering new data and evidence, and it's commonly used in scientific research to form hypotheses.
Deductive reasoning is more about logical certainty and is used in mathematics and formal logic to derive conclusions from already established premises or principles.
Inductive reasoning can lead to strong or weak conclusions, depending on the quality and quantity of observations.
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Deductive reasoning leads to conclusions that are logically certain, provided the initial premises are true.
Comparison Chart
Direction of Reasoning
Specific to General
General to Specific
Certainty
Probable
Certain
Common Use
Scientific Research
Formal Logic, Math
Dependent on
Observations, Data
Premises, Principles
Outcome
Hypotheses, Theories
Conclusions
Compare with Definitions
Inductive
Inductive reasoning is the process of making generalized decisions based on specific instances.
Her inductive reasoning led her to believe all swans are white after only seeing white swans.
Deductive
Deductive reasoning is the process of drawing specific conclusions from general principles.
From the general law of gravity, he deduced the specific rate at which an object would fall.
Inductive
Inductive reasoning often involves probability.
Inductive logic allows for the conclusion to be false even if the premises are true.
Deductive
Deductive logic starts with a premise and leads to a certain conclusion.
In a deductive argument, if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true.
Inductive
Inductive logic moves from detailed facts to general principles.
In detective work, inductive reasoning can suggest a likely suspect but cannot prove guilt.
Deductive
Deductive reasoning provides logical certainty.
Deductive reasoning leaves no room for uncertainty when the premises are accurate.
Inductive
Inductive approaches are common in experimental sciences.
Inductive reasoning is essential in forming hypotheses in scientific experiments.
Deductive
Deductive methods test theories against observations.
Deductive reasoning confirmed his theory when the experiment yielded expected results.
Inductive
Of, relating to, or using logical induction
Inductive reasoning.
Deductive
Deductive reasoning is common in mathematics and formal logic.
In geometry, deductive reasoning proves theorems based on axioms.
Inductive
(Electricity) Of or arising from inductance
Inductive reactance.
Deductive
Of or based on deduction.
Inductive
Causing or influencing; inducing.
Deductive
Involving or using deduction in reasoning.
Inductive
Introductory.
Deductive
Of, pertaining to, or based on deduction (process of reasoning).
Inductive
(logic) Of, or relating to logical induction. en
Deductive
(logic) Based on inferences from general principles.
Inductive
(physics) Of, relating to, or arising from inductance. en
Deductive
Of or pertaining to deduction; capable of being deduced from premises; deducible.
All knowledge of causes is deductive.
Notions and ideas . . . used in a deductive process.
Inductive
Introductory or preparatory. en
Deductive
Relating to logical deduction;
Deductive reasoning
Inductive
Influencing; tending to induce or cause.
Deductive
Involving inferences from general principles
Inductive
Leading or drawing; persuasive; tempting; - usually followed by to.
A brutish vice,Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve.
Inductive
Tending to induce or cause.
They may be . . . inductive of credibility.
Inductive
Leading to inferences; proceeding by, derived from, or using, induction; as, inductive reasoning.
Inductive
Operating by induction; as, an inductive electrical machine.
Inductive
Relating to logical induction;
Inductive thinking
Inductive
Arising from inductance;
Inductive reactance
Inductive
Of reasoning; proceeding from particular facts to a general conclusion;
Inductive reasoning
Inductive
Inducing or influencing; leading on;
Inductive to the sin of Eve
Inductive
Inductive methods generate theories based on observations.
After multiple experiments, his inductive approach led to a new theory on plant growth.
Common Curiosities
What is Inductive reasoning?
Inductive reasoning moves from specific observations to broader generalizations or theories.
Is Deductive reasoning always true?
Deductive reasoning leads to true conclusions if the initial premises are true.
What is Deductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning starts with general principles and applies them to specific instances.
When is Inductive reasoning used?
Inductive reasoning is often used in scientific research to form hypotheses.
Can Inductive reasoning be tested?
Inductive reasoning often generates hypotheses that can later be tested.
What's a weakness of Inductive reasoning?
Inductive reasoning may lead to conclusions that are only probable, not certain.
Is Deductive reasoning absolute?
Deductive reasoning aims for absolute conclusions based on logical steps.
Can Inductive reasoning be false?
Inductive reasoning can lead to conclusions that are probable but not certain.
Is Inductive reasoning subjective?
Inductive reasoning can be subjective as it often relies on interpretation of data.
Can Inductive and Deductive reasoning be used together?
Yes, both can be used in a complementary manner, such as forming a hypothesis inductively and then testing it deductively.
When is Deductive reasoning used?
Deductive reasoning is commonly used in mathematics and formal logic.
Is Deductive reasoning testable?
Deductive reasoning tests the validity of conclusions based on initial premises.
Can Inductive reasoning be quantified?
Inductive reasoning often involves probability and statistical measures.
What's a strength of Deductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning provides logical certainty when the premises are true.
Is Deductive reasoning objective?
Deductive reasoning is usually objective, as it follows set logical structures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
