Final answer:
Deductive reasoning is the form of reasoning that starts with general claims and moves to specific conclusions, whereas inductive reasoning works the opposite way, starting with specific observations to reach general conclusions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of reasoning that begins with broad claims that listeners accept and then moves into specific claims is known as deductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a logical specific conclusion. This is in contrast to inductive reasoning, which starts with specific observations and moves towards broader generalizations. For example, if someone begins with the broad statement that all mammals breathe air and then narrows it down to dolphins being mammals and thus concluding dolphins breathe air, this is an application of deductive reasoning. On the other hand, if someone observes numerous instances where students skip classes on Fridays and then concludes that students are likely to skip classes generally towards the end of the week, this is an example of inductive reasoning.