Day 1 Inductive Reasoning Reading and Writing Arguments

Inductive Reasoning When detectives arrive at the scene of a crime, the first thing they do is look for clues that can help them piece together what happened. A broken window, for example, might suggest how a burglar entered or exited. Likewise, the fact that an intruder didn't disturb anything but a painting that hid a safe might suggest that the burglar knew exactly where the safe was hidden. And this, in turn, suggests that the burglar knew the victim.

The process described above is called inductive reasoning. making observationsIt consists of making observations and then drawing conclusions based on those observations.

Like a detective, you use inductive reasoning all the time in your daily life. You might notice, for example, that every time you eat a hot dog with chili and onions, you get a stomachache. Using inductive reasoning, you could logically conclude that the chili dogs cause indigestion, and that you should probably stop eating them.

Inductive Reasoning I eat hot dogs with chili and onions. I get a stomachache. I will get a stomachache every time I eat hot dogs with chili and onions.

Inductive Reasoning I eat hot dogs with chili and onions. I get a stomachache. I will get a stomachache every time I eat hot dogs with chili and onions.

Similarly, you might notice that your cat tries to scratch you every time you rub her stomach. You could logically conclude that she does not like her stomach rubbed. In both examples, what you're doing is moving from the specific—a particular observation—to the general—a larger conclusion. Inductive reasoning starts from observation and evidence and leads to a conclusion.

Inductive Reasoning

Copy all: I rub my cat’s stomach. My cat tries to scratch me. _____________________ general conclusion)

Inductive Reasoning I rub my cat’s stomach. My cat tries to scratch me. _____________________ (general conclusion) Read aloud your answers to your group. Choose 1 to write on dry erase boards. Hold up for Mrs. Young to check.

Using inductive reasoning generally involves the following questions: What have you observed? What evidence is available? What can you conclude from that evidence? Is that conclusion logical?

Crazy Word! The word syllogism means "logical appeal" and is considered a type of logical argument

Inductive Reasoning On your own! Copy all: Johnny got jumped. Johnny has greased hair. Ponyboy has greased hair and got jumped. ________________________ (general conclusion) Leave it on the corner of your desk for Mrs. Young to check. Read The Outsiders silently.