Inductive reasoning is a logical thinking process in which multiple premises that are believed to be true are combined to draw a conclusion. It is a process that works in the opposite direction to deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning makes broad generalizations from specific observations, while deductive reasoning searches for specific information to prove the validity of broad concepts which are found in theory.
Inductive reasoning has a valuable place in the scientific process. It helps to acknowledge potential patterns by looking at specific facts that may or may not contribute to an overall pattern. In scientific processes it is valuable when developing theory's to be tested in experiments and proven. In scientific reasoning there is constant interplay between inductive inference and deductive inference.
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