Which option best describes the reasoning used to test a hypothesis by deriving conclusions from general principles?

Which option best describes the reasoning used to test a hypothesis by deriving conclusions from general principles?

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

Answer: (A)

Deductive reasoning derives specific conclusions from general principles, and it’s the approach used when testing a hypothesis by predicting what must happen if the theory is true. Start with a general principle or theory, then deduce a precise, testable consequence that you can check against observations. If the observed outcome matches the predicted consequence, the hypothesis is supported within the framework of that principle; if not, the principle or its application may be questioned. This is different from inductive reasoning, which moves from particular observations to broad generalizations; abductive reasoning, which infers the best explanation for the observed data; and analogical reasoning, which infers conclusions based on similarities to other cases.

Deductive reasoning derives specific conclusions from general principles, and it’s the approach used when testing a hypothesis by predicting what must happen if the theory is true. Start with a general principle or theory, then deduce a precise, testable consequence that you can check against observations. If the observed outcome matches the predicted consequence, the hypothesis is supported within the framework of that principle; if not, the principle or its application may be questioned.

This is different from inductive reasoning, which moves from particular observations to broad generalizations; abductive reasoning, which infers the best explanation for the observed data; and analogical reasoning, which infers conclusions based on similarities to other cases.