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Reference.org
Inductive reasoning
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<p>Inductive reasoning refers to a variety of <a href="/facts/Method_of_reasoning/tcBImN8J">methods of reasoning</a> in which broad generalizations or <a href="/facts/Principle/qcshmdg3">principles</a> are derived from a set of observations. Unlike <a href="/facts/Deductive_reasoning/HadA1zWS"><i>deductive</i> reasoning</a> (such as <a href="/facts/Mathematical_induction/KxAPqNrH">mathematical induction</a>), where the conclusion is <i>certain</i>, given the premises are correct, inductive reasoning produces conclusions that are at best <i><a href="/facts/Probable/fgYvMhwb">probable</a></i>, given the evidence provided. </p>