Deductive v. Inductive

• Deductive reasoning is the act of defending a generalized scenario or principle with specific, illustrative case studies.

• Deductive reasoning is expressed here using the "because" symbol.

• A top-down approach wherein a conclusion leads to an experiment functioning as additional evidence.

• If premises are true, conclusions are certain.

• To deduce, from the Latin de-ducere, meaning "to lead down the path."

EXAMPLES :

• Developing a plan that would be effective for a target audience.

• Designing a floor plan with the intention to maximize sales.

• Planning a budget to maximize output from diversified investments.

• Deductive reasoning is the act of making a generalized conclusion based on observations made of specific scenarios or principles.

• Inductive reasoning is expressed here using the "therefore" symbol.

• A bottom-up approach wherein collected data illustrates a pattern from which conclusions are made.

• If premises are true, conclusions are probabilistic.

• To induce, from the Latin in-ducere, meaning "to infer the path."

EXAMPLES :

• Determining when you should leave for work based on traffic patterns.

• Editing software based on how users have tended to use it in the past.

• Creating an incentives plan in response to an employee survey.