Which concept describes reasoning that generalizes from observed data to broader theories?

Which concept describes reasoning that generalizes from observed data to broader theories?

• A. Inductive reasoning
• B. Deductive reasoning
• C. Research circle
• D. Falsifiable

Answer: (A)

Inductive reasoning is the process of drawing broad conclusions from specific observations. When you collect data and notice patterns across many cases, you form a general theory or rule that explains those patterns. This contrasts with deductive reasoning, which starts with a general principle to predict specific outcomes. The other terms don’t describe the act of generalizing from data: falsifiability is about whether a claim can be tested and potentially disproven, and “research circle” isn’t a standard term for this concept.

Inductive reasoning is the process of drawing broad conclusions from specific observations. When you collect data and notice patterns across many cases, you form a general theory or rule that explains those patterns. This contrasts with deductive reasoning, which starts with a general principle to predict specific outcomes. The other terms don’t describe the act of generalizing from data: falsifiability is about whether a claim can be tested and potentially disproven, and “research circle” isn’t a standard term for this concept.