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2. What Is Inductive Reasoning? Definitions, Types and Examples

What Is Inductive Reasoning? Definitions, Types and Examples

Jennifer Herrity

Updated April 28, 2023

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Video: Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning

In this quick video, we’ll break down the key differences and provide examples
to help you grasp these two essential approaches to logic.
Inductive reasoning is a logical process that involves using specific
experiences, observations or facts to evaluate a situation. This is an
essential tool in statistics, research, probability and day-to-day decision-
making. This means that, regardless of your profession, learning about
inductive reasoning and how to use it can help you identify patterns and
make better decisions in the workplace.
In this article, we define inductive reasoning and its key types, provide
examples of it, compare it with deductive reasoning, review pros and
cons of this logical strategy and explain how to demonstrate your
inductive reasoning skills.

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What is inductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning is a method of logical thinking that combines
observations with experiential information to reach a conclusion. When
you use a specific set of data or existing knowledge from past
experiences to make decisions, you're using inductive reasoning.
For example, if you review the population information of a city for the
past 15 years, you may observe a consistent rate of population increase.
If you want to predict what the population might be in five years, you can
use the evidence or information you have to make an estimate. This is
inductive reasoning.
Related: 7 Types of Reasoning (With Definitions and Examples)

Types of inductive reasoning

There are various ways to use inductive reasoning depending on the
situation. Here are the three most commonly used types of inductive
reasoning:

Inductive generalization
This type of inductive reasoning involves considering evidence from past
similar situations to create a conclusion. You could use evidence like the
following to support an inductive generalization:
 Large samples
 Random sampling
 Counterexamples
Example: For the past three years, the company has exceeded its revenue
goal in Q3. Based on this information, the company is likely to exceed its
revenue goal in Q3 this year.
Statistical induction
This type of inductive reasoning utilizes statistical data to draw
conclusions. Statistical induction, or statistical generalization, is a type of
inductive generalization. While this type of reasoning provides context an
assumption, it's important to remain open to new evidence that might
alter your theory.
Example: 90% of the sales team met their quota last month. Pat is on the
sales team. Pat likely met his sales quota last month.

Casual reasoning
This type of thinking involves making a logical connection between a
cause and a likely effect. For the casual reasoning to be effective, it's
helpful for it to involve a strong relationship between the starting
situation and the resulting inference. Observable evidence is also crucial
for this type of reasoning.
Example: Joe consistently gets a stomachache after eating pears. He doesn't
get a stomachache consistently after eating any other type of fruit. Eating the
pears might cause Joe's stomachache.

Induction by confirmation
Induction by confirmation allows you to reach a conclusion by accepting
specific assumptions. Police officers and detectives might use this type of
reasoning to develop a theory for investigations. They may then work to
collect evidence to support their theory.
Example: Anybody who breaks into a building may have opportunity, motive
and means. Renee was in the area, dislikes the homeowner and has lock picks
in his bag. Renee likely broke into the building.
Related: The Best Ways To Strengthen Your Logical Thinking Skills
Examples of inductive reasoning in the workplace
Inductive reasoning can be highly beneficial in the workplace because
identify patterns in positive business outcomes can help you can inform
future efforts and recreate your success. Here are a few examples of how
you might apply the inductive reasoning process in a professional
environment:
 After analyzing high-performing and successful employees in the
marketing department, a recruiter recognizes they all graduated with a
degree in business, marketing or journalism. She decides to focus on
future recruiting efforts on candidates with a degree in one of those
three disciplines.
 A salesperson notices when they share testimonials from current and
past clients with their prospects, they're 75 percent more likely to make
a sale. Now, they share testimonials with all prospects to improve their
close rate.
 Taking time to review comments from past customers is always
beneficial. In addition to a positive customer review you can share with
future clients, it can also inform you of any problems past customers
may be experiencing.
 After noticing assisted living center residents' moods improve when
young children visit, an activities leader develops a volunteer initiative
with local schools to pair students with center residents.
Related: 10 Top Critical Thinking Skills (And How to Improve Them)

Inductive vs. deductive reasoning

Both inductive and deductive reasoning bring valuable benefits to the
workplace. Here are how the definitions differ from each other:
 Inductive reasoning: Inductive thinking uses experience and
proven observations to guess the outcome. The goal is to predict a
likely outcome.
  Deductive reasoning: Deductive reasoning uses theories and
beliefs to rationalize and prove a specific conclusion. The goal is to
prove a fact.
Here are some examples of each to help further clarify the difference:
 Inductive example: I get tired if I don't drink coffee. Coffee is
addictive. I'm addicted to coffee.
 Deductive example: Human beings need to breathe to live. You're a
human. You need to breathe to live.
Related: Inductive vs. Deductive Reasoning

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Inductive vs. abductive reasoning

Like inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning involves analyzing
information or observations to predict outcomes. Unlike inductive
reasoning, abductive reasoning involves using information that may be
incomplete. While abductive reasoning allows for more freedom than
inductive or deductive reasoning, it can also result in several incorrect
conclusions before you uncover the true answer.
The medical field often uses abductive reasoning when making diagnoses
in the absence of information such as test results. For example, when a
patient presents symptoms, medical professionals work to develop a
logical answer or a diagnosis based on the minimal information they
have to develop a conclusion.
Related: A Complete Guide to Types of Reasoning

Inductive reasoning pros and cons

Here are the pros and cons of using this decision-making method:

Pros of inductive reasoning

Here are some benefits of inductive reasoning:
 It allows you to work with a wide range of probabilities.
 It presents you with a starting point so you can narrow down your
assumptions and reach an informed conclusion.
  It helps you to develop multiple solutions to one issue and utilize
your research to evaluate another hypothesis.
 It allows you to leverage knowledge gathered from past
experiences to form judgments and make decisions in new
situations.

Cons of inductive reasoning

Here are some limitations of inductive reasoning:
 It may lead you to create a theory with limitations based on the
evidence or knowledge you have. This can sometimes lead you to
an incorrect conclusion.
 It requires data and evidence to back up your claim or judgment,
but there's still a chance that new facts or evidence may emerge
and prove your theory wrong.
These limitations make it important to learn to use inductive reasoning
skills along with other types of reasoning.
Related: 4 Ways To Use and Improve Your Logical Reasoning Skills

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How to demonstrate your inductive reasoning skills

Reasoning skills are important soft skills that employers may seek in
potential candidates. Some employers specifically like to see inductive
reasoning on applications because it highlights the candidate's aptitude
for critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving. For this
reason, it may be helpful to focus on this skill throughout the job search
and hiring process. Here are some steps you may follow to do so:
1. Learn the STAR method
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) technique is an effective
method for communicating. Once you learn it, you can use it to explain
your inductive reasoning skills to potential employers clearly and
concisely. Here are the steps for using the STAR method:
1. Describe the situation.
2. Describe the task.
3. Explain in detail the action you took.
4. Share the result.
Understanding inductive reasoning and how to apply this logical thinking
process in your work environment is essential to success in any position.
Using the STAR method to explain situations in which this method was
useful to you or your team can help you highlight them during your job
search and make a positive impression on potential employers.
Related: How To Improve Your Deductive Reasoning Skills (With
Examples and Tips)

2. Include inductive reasoning skills on your resume and cover letter

You can list inductive reasoning along with other soft skills in the skill
section of your resume. This may be especially important if an employer
specifically mentions inductive reasoning or critical thinking skills in the
job listing or description. Consider providing a specific example of a time
when you used inductive reasoning skills in the workplace in your cover
letter. This can give context to your claim and help impress the hiring
manager.

3. Mention inductive reasoning in an interview

During a job interview, you might mention inductive reasoning when an
employer asks about your decision-making process. Take time to think
about specific instances when you used inductive reasoning, especially
when it resulted in a positive outcome. Providing a clear example can
help prove to employers you're able to make insightful observations,
retain information and apply your knowledge to make well-informed
decisions on the job.

 

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