Can someone explain to me in simple terms deductive and inductive reasoning. Every time I find a new definition, I get more confused. I think that deductive is when you try to figure out from something that is generic and inductive is when you already know what will happen. Am I even close?

Answer 1

Using deductive reasoning, you work from the general to the specific. Inductive reasoning is the opposite -- you work from the specific to the general. This site has an excellent explanation.

http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/dedind.php