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Exploring Inductive and Deductive Reasoning

Master the essence of logical thinking and enhance your ability to navigate challenges
Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 6 lessons.
Course: On-Demand
Beginner Provider Victor Kersey  6 Lessons ·  14m  in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese 

Course Description

You may have heard of inductive and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning is a common way of thinking about the world. We use it all the time to make inferences about things we have not directly experienced. But it’s important to be aware of the limitations of inductive reasoning and to be willing to revise our conclusions when we discover new information. This course teaches you how to correctly apply inductive reasoning when you’re making a choice. Deductive reasoning allows us to draw valid and reliable conclusions. It helps when professionals need to make accurate predictions and informed decisions. This concise and engaging module empowers you to develop a structured and systematic approach to decision-making, problem-solving, and analysis.

In these lessons, you’ll learn about common types of inductive reasoning in the workplace, such as generalizations, predictions, statistical syllogisms, arguments from analogies, and causal inferences. You will also learn how to improve your logical thinking skills by using deductive reasoning. We’ll discuss the types of deductive reasoning, including syllogisms, modus ponens, and modus tollens. Let us help you make logical decisions.

What You'll Learn

  • Apply inductive reasoning correctly when making a choice, while staying aware of its limitations and revising conclusions when new information emerges
  • Identify common types of inductive reasoning used in the workplace, including generalizations, predictions, statistical syllogisms, arguments from analogies, and causal inferences
  • Use deductive reasoning to draw valid and reliable conclusions and improve your logical thinking skills
  • Distinguish the three types of deductive reasoning: syllogisms, modus ponens, and modus tollens
  • Compare and contrast different logical reasoning techniques, identifying their strengths and weaknesses in specific contexts
  • Present logical analyses and arguments clearly and persuasively using logical language and evidence

Key Takeaways

  • Inductive reasoning lets us make inferences about things we have not directly experienced, but its conclusions should be revised when new information is discovered.
  • Deductive reasoning allows professionals to draw valid and reliable conclusions, make accurate predictions, and reach informed decisions.
  • The course covers common workplace types of inductive reasoning, including generalizations, predictions, statistical syllogisms, arguments from analogies, and causal inferences.
  • Deductive reasoning includes syllogisms, modus ponens, and modus tollens.
  • Building a structured and systematic approach to reasoning supports better decision-making, problem-solving, and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in this course?

You will learn how to correctly apply inductive reasoning when making a choice, recognize common types of inductive reasoning such as generalizations, predictions, statistical syllogisms, arguments from analogies, and causal inferences, and use deductive reasoning, including syllogisms, modus ponens, and modus tollens, to draw valid and reliable conclusions.

Who is this course for?

It is designed for professionals who need to make accurate predictions and informed decisions, helping them develop a structured and systematic approach to decision-making, problem-solving, and analysis.

What skills does this course help me build?

It helps build critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving, enhancing your ability to critically evaluate information, make rational choices, and communicate effectively with others.

What topics are covered in the lessons?

The lessons cover an introduction, defining inductive reasoning, common types of inductive reasoning, what deductive reasoning is, the three types of deductive reasoning, and a Test Your Knowledge section.

Why is it important to be careful with inductive reasoning?

Inductive reasoning has limitations, so it is important to be aware of them and to be willing to revise your conclusions when you discover new information.

Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Project Management Institute (PMI®)

Professional Development Units (PDUs): 0.25

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KnowledgeCity has been reviewed and approved by the PMI® Authorized Training Partner Program. Users can maintain your PMI credentials by earning PDUs from KnowledgeCity qualified courses in Project Management, Business Management, Leadership and many others.

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KnowledgeCity is approved by SHRM as a Recertification General Provider to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). By taking the courses approved by SHRM, KnowledgeCity can award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™).