You've learned about deductive reasoning (which provides certainty) and inductive reasoning (which deals in probability). Now, let's get some hands-on practice telling them apart. This is a crucial skill for evaluating any argument you encounter.

Engagement Message

Ready to sharpen your reasoning skills?

Type

Multiple Choice

Practice Question

Which of the following statements is an example of deductive reasoning?

A. All our company's past marketing campaigns on this platform have succeeded. Therefore, the next one will likely succeed too. B. All humans are mortals. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal. C. The sun has risen every day in recorded history. Therefore, it will rise tomorrow. D. I've tried three dishes at this restaurant and they were all spicy. All their dishes are probably spicy.

Suggested Answers

• A
• B - Correct
• C
• D

Type

Swipe Left or Right

Practice Question

Sort these arguments into the correct reasoning type.

Labels

• Left Label: Inductive Reasoning
• Right Label: Deductive Reasoning

Left Label Items

• My dog barks. My neighbor's dog barks. All dogs probably bark.
• The last 5 deliveries were late. This one will likely be late too.

Right Label Items

• All dogs bark. Fido is a dog. Fido barks.
• If you have a ticket, you can enter. You have a ticket. You can enter.

Type

Fill In The Blanks

Markdown With Blanks

Fill in the blanks to correctly describe the two types of reasoning.

Deductive reasoning moves from a general rule to a specific, [[blank:certain]] conclusion. Inductive reasoning uses specific observations to form a general, [[blank:probable]] conclusion.

Suggested Answers

• certain
• probable
• weak
• strong

Type

Swipe Left or Right

Practice Question

Let's practice identifying reasoning types. Swipe each statement left for Inductive or right for Deductive.

Labels

• Left Label: Inductive Reasoning
• Right Label: Deductive Reasoning

Left Label Items

• Every quiz so far has been easy, so the final exam will probably be easy.
• The stock market has gone up for the past three days, so it's likely to go up today.
• My friend, who is a doctor, recommends this vitamin. It's probably good for me.

Right Label Items

• All squares have four equal sides. This shape is a square. It has four equal sides.
• To graduate, you need 120 credits. I have 124 credits. I can graduate.
• If the alarm is ringing, there is a fire. The alarm is ringing. There is a fire.

Type

Multiple Choice

Practice Question

A scientist tests a new drug on 1,000 patients and finds it effective for 95% of them. She concludes the drug is likely effective for the general population. What kind of reasoning is this, and what is its level of certainty?

A. Deductive, Certain B. Inductive, Certain C. Deductive, Probable D. Inductive, Probable

Suggested Answers

• A
• B
• C
• D - Correct