Examples – Determine whether each scenario’s conclusion is based on
inductive or deductive reasoning.
1. In biology class you learned that one characteristic of mammals is
that they are all warm-blooded. You conclude that your dog must be
warm-blooded. D
2. Every type of fish that you have seen at the aquarium has been a
vertebrate. You conclude that all fish are vertebrates. I
3. After studying the biographies of the past 30 Pennsylvania Senators,
you observe that each Senator has been older than 36. You conclude
that one requirement for being a senator is that you must be older than
36. I
4. In American Political Systems you learned that one requirement to be
President of the United States is that you must be a natural born citizen.
You conclude that Bill Clinton is a natural born citizen. D
5. Jill read a story in English class and noticed that every sentence began
with a capital letter. She concluded that all sentences must begin with a
capital letter. I
6. In Language Arts today, Jack learned that you must begin every
sentence with a capital letter. When Jack wrote his six practices
sentences for homework, he concluded that each one should begin
with a capital letter. D
Inductive Reasoning: drawing conclusions based on experience and
observation.
Deductive Reasoning: drawing conclusions based on concrete rules.
Examples – Determine whether each scenario’s conclusion is based on
inductive or deductive reasoning.
1. In biology class you learned that one characteristic of mammals is
that they are all warm-blooded. You conclude that your dog must be
warm-blooded.
2. Every type of fish that you have seen at the aquarium has been a
vertebrate. You conclude that all fish are vertebrates.
3. After studying the biographies of the past 30 Pennsylvania Senators,
you observe that each Senator has been older than 36. You conclude
that one requirement for being a senator is that you must be older than
36.
4. In American Political Systems you learned that one requirement to be
President of the United States is that you must be a natural born citizen.
You conclude that Bill Clinton is a natural born citizen.
5. Jill read a story in English class and noticed that every sentence began
with a capital letter. She concluded that all sentences must begin with a
capital letter.
6. In Language Arts today, Jack learned that you must begin every
sentence with a capital letter. When Jack wrote his six practices
sentences for homework, he concluded that each one should begin
with a capital letter.
