Final answer:
Deductive reasoning starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a conclusion about something specific. It is a form of logical thinking that progresses from a general premise to a specific instance. It contrasts with inductive reasoning, which moves from specific data points to general conclusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of reasoning that involves starting with a general case known to be true and deducing specific instances is called deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning operates from the more general to the more particular, where logically certain conclusions are drawn about specifics based on a general premise. It contrasts with inductive reasoning, where the reasoning process moves from specific observations to broader generalizations and theories.
Inductive reasoning, which the question appears to be referring to, starts with specific observations and moves towards a general conclusion. It is fundamental in scientific methods, where specific instances or observations lead to formulating general theories or laws. However, conclusions drawn from inductive reasoning might not always be accurate, despite being based on observed instances or patterns.
For example, after observing that a sample of water freezes at 32° Fahrenheit, a scientist might use inductive reasoning to generalize that all water will freeze at this temperature under normal atmospheric pressure. While this generalization has proven to be true in this instance, inductive reasoning is usually probabilistic and may not always lead to true generalizations.