Each day we are faced with several problems. The problems we stumble upon can be as simple as navigating our way to our office, or they can be bigger ones, such as planning a family holiday. Human beings are complex organisms with various problems. Each of us takes a call. How do we arrive at a solution or method of solving a problem? What are the processes involved in arriving at a decision? We have different ways of coming to a decision. This article discusses two major ways of arriving at a solution.
In psychology, reasoning refers to the process by which people reason or try to conclude. It also studies how people's brains function to solve problems and make important decisions. It uses principles from philosophy, logic, probability theories, and cognitive psychology. The two most commonly used methods of arriving at a decision are as follows −
While conducting research or a scientific study, these are the most widely used methods of conclusions. How do these methods differ? Which method do you use in a particular situation? How do these methods compare with each other? Let us understand both of them in detail.
In this type of reasoning, one moves from a specific premise or observation to more general observations. To be precise, a person has data and derives conclusions from that specific data. So when a dataset is given, a person observes many things. They note several observations, notice a pattern, come to a generalization, and then come to an explanation or a theory. It can be said that while using inductive reasoning to perform research, one is basing their conclusions upon their observations. The steps involved in inductive reasoning are as follows −
Gathering information This is done by analyzing the data, talking to people, observing them or their surroundings, or gathering data from other sources such as newspapers or media.
Noting down these observations, understanding the pattern,
Concluding These conclusions, derived from observations, help the researcher to form a theory.
Therefore, it can be said that while using inductive reasoning, a person moves from specific information provided to a more general theory of the phenomenon being studied. This method can be understood by taking the example of a reverse funnel. So a person begins with more specific details, and as the funnel gets broader, the specifics get broader in perspective as one reaches its conclusion. Many people refer to this method as the "bottom-up" method. This means one begins from the bottom with the available data and specific information and climbs up to general information. In other words, you rely on your knowledge or data to make an educated or informed guess. Even if something seems right, it may not be
When you observe that your neighbor's son is a good swimmer and they have a swimming pool, you conclude that the neighbor's daughter must also be a good swimmer.
When you see that your subordinate has dropped his coffee and is often late to the office, you assume he must be clumsy and lazy.
When you go out in the rain once, you feel sick. Now you feel that you will fall sick whenever you go out in the rain.
Inductive reasoning can further be divided into many types. They are as follows −
One of the most important things to understand about inductive reasoning is that any conclusions you draw from it will not always be correct or reinforced. Here are some ways to make sure your inductive reasoning is certain. Make sure you have a sizable data collection to deal with first. Your results will be stronger (and more certain and conclusive) if your sample size is higher. Second, be certain that the sample you are using is both random and representative of the population you are researching.
A fundamental type of reasoning is deductive reasoning, commonly referred to as deduction. It begins with a broad assertion or hypothesis and considers the options to arrive at a clear, logical conclusion. In contrast to inductive reasoning, this reasoning involves moving from some general observations to some specific details and observations. In deductive reasoning, we have a premise, then a second premise, and in the end, we have a conclusion based on these two premises, reasoning, and proof, in most cases. For example, every bird has wings; penguins have wings; therefore, a penguin is a bird.
Here we have a major premise, a minor premise, and finally, an inference. One can imagine a funnel while thinking of deductive reasoning. One starts from the top, which is broad and wide, and the area becomes narrower as one reaches the bottom or the conclusion. This method can also be referred to as the "top-down" approach. Given that the premises are accurate, deductive reasoning is a reliable method. For instance, to say that all men without hair are old is to say that Jerry has no hair and is old, and this is logically correct but factually incorrect.
Deductive logic is general-to-specific and starts with a premise already proven via observations and understandings. However, in inductive logic, a person moves from some specific information to more general conclusions. Inductive logic is less reliable compared to deductive logic.
We require some methods to reach conclusions or take decisions in life. We need these methods daily. Therefore, we use two kinds of reasoning. They are known as inductive or deductive reasoning. While deductive reasoning helps us move from a large amount of data to more specific conclusions, inductive reasoning uses specific data for generalizing or arriving at more general conclusions. The best results are obtained when they are combined, not because deductive thinking is superior to inductive reasoning or vice versa. Research frequently starts inductively. The researcher will gather data from their observations and notes to develop a hypothesis they intend to test. They will then devise strategies for conclusively evaluating that theory. They will conduct their experiments, analyze the data, and draw a firm conclusion deductively.
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