Blog 5 - Deductive and Inductive Reasoning - Spider-man, Batman Arrested After Alleged Times Square Brawl

Introduction

What is deductive and inductive reasoning? It can be confusing to distinguish between the two, however, it is important to understand the difference.  There is a way to work out whether an argument has a deductive (also known as deduction) or inductive (also known as induction approach, starting by remembering they are each others opposites (Live Science 2012).  Below are some suggestions to help remember the difference!

Induction:   The easiest way to remember the definition of induction is think quite broad and general with your ideas and observations as they gradually lead to a conclusion,.  It is important to remember with inductive reasoning, the conclusion of your statement can turn out to be incorrect, ask yourself 'was the argument strong or weak as reasoned' (Toft 2014) inasmuch as the generalised assumption made, could incorporate everything defined in that statement as being so, when that may not be the case.

  Inductive reasoning is commonly seen in scientific research to form theories and hypothesis, which provides the means to be able to apply those theories and hypothesis to specific situations (Live Science 2012; Shmoop 2013; Toft 2014).  

Deduction:  Remembering the definition for deduction is easy, as the fictional character Sherlock Holmes used deductive reasoning! and is a 'basic form of reasoning' (Live Science 2012).  Starting with a general hypothesis or theory which will  eventually result in a particular conclusion, it is a good idea to ask 'were the conclusions valid or invalid as reasoned' (Toft 2014).  Deductive reasoning also means you can find supporting theories, that may not seem logical at the time, and may even seem incorrect, that is, until you reach your conclusion. Lastly, if the conclusion is sound, logical and unable to be proved as false, you can safely determine deductive reasoning has been practiced (Live Science 2012; Shmoop 2013)

Video 1: Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning 
Source: YouTube: Schmoop 2013

Example of inductive and deductive reasoning

Inductive: 

An example of inductive reasoning within the above article would be the assumption that super heroes in Times Square are aggressive, all super heroes in Times Square are drunk, all super heroes in Times Square are drunk and brawl in public (Mazza 2014).

Deductive:

An example of deductive reasoning within the above article would be the assumption that brawls in Times Square, when dressed as a super hero will result in being arrested.  The premises is that involved in the Times Square incident were super heroes, Therefore, the 3 super heroes brawling in Times Square, were arrested (Mazza 2014).

References

Mazza, E 2014, 'Spider-man, batman arrested after alleged times square brawl', The Huffington post, 15 September, viewed 22 September 2014, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/15/spider-man-batman-arrested-times-square_n_5820722.html?utm_hp_ref=dumb-criminals

Live Science 2012, Reference: deductive reasoning vs inductive reasoning, viewed 13 September 2014, http://www.livescience.com/21569-deduction-vs-induction.html

Shmoop 2013, Inductive vs deductive reasoning by Shmoop, video, 14 June, viewed 18 September 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXW5mLE5Y2g&feature=youtu.be

Toft, Y 2014, Week 11: Evidence and argument, lecture notes distributed in the course, AINV11001 Real world investigation, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, 15 September.