Which concept describes reasoning that applies general theory to specific predictions?

Which concept describes reasoning that applies general theory to specific predictions?

• A. Deductive reasoning
• B. Inductive reasoning
• C. Replication
• D. Social importance

Answer: (A)

Deductive reasoning is reasoning that starts with a general theory or principle and uses logic to derive specific predictions. You apply the broad idea to a concrete situation and deduce what should be observed if the theory holds. For example, if a criminology theory says that increasing guardianship reduces crime, you can predict that in areas with more patrols, certain crimes should decline in a given time frame. When observations match that prediction, the theory is supported; if they don’t, the theory may be questioned. This differs from inductive reasoning, which builds a general rule from specific observations. Replication involves repeating a study to verify results, and social importance is unrelated to the way reasoning moves from theory to forecast.

Deductive reasoning is reasoning that starts with a general theory or principle and uses logic to derive specific predictions. You apply the broad idea to a concrete situation and deduce what should be observed if the theory holds. For example, if a criminology theory says that increasing guardianship reduces crime, you can predict that in areas with more patrols, certain crimes should decline in a given time frame. When observations match that prediction, the theory is supported; if they don’t, the theory may be questioned. This differs from inductive reasoning, which builds a general rule from specific observations. Replication involves repeating a study to verify results, and social importance is unrelated to the way reasoning moves from theory to forecast.