Final answer:
Inductive reasoning involves observational premises and is used to formulate generalizations from specific observations. It results in conclusions that hold a degree of probability, but not absolute certainty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Inductive reasoning involves observational premises rather than definite conclusions or logical certainty. It is a method of logical thinking that starts from specific observations or details and moves toward broader generalizations. As part of the scientific method, scientists might observe a large number of specific instances and then use these observations to infer a general principle. Inductive reasoning is associated with probability rather than absolute certainty, and conclusions derived from this type of reasoning can be strong but are not guaranteed to be true.
One common example of inductive reasoning occurs in biology when a life scientist observes many examples of a phenomenon and then generates a broad hypothesis that accounts for these observations. Unlike deductive reasoning that starts with a general premise and moves to a specific conclusion, inductive reasoning moves from detailed observations to broader generalizations. It is important in developing scientific theories, which can later be tested through deductive reasoning.