Overview on Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning, also known as deductive logic or top-down reasoning, involves coming to a logical conclusion based on general assumptions and logical premises. According to the deductive reasoning argument, if you assume one thing to be true and another to be true, then what you supposed to be true for the first also applies to the second. If you state a group of people has particular characteristics, you’re assuming that everyone in that group has those characteristics. Consider the following scenario: you have a box that you know is enormous, and you know there is a washing machine that you can’t fit into the box. As a result, you can safely expect that the washing machine is also quite huge. You match the information you have—that the box is enormous—with the information that the washing machine cannot fit into the box, and you get to the conclusion that the washing machine is also large, using deductive reasoning.

Deductive Reasoning test

Deductive reasoning examinations are used to evaluate candidates for entry-level and mid-level positions that need deductive reasoning skills.

If you’re seeking for positions in science and technology, such as technical design, engineering, or software development, a deductive reasoning test may be part of your evaluation.

The steps of deductive reasoning

The deductive reasoning method involves reaching a conclusion based on information that is widely regarded to be correct. You only employ facts-based information that is free of emotions, feelings, and other non-verifiable information.

You may be able to successfully apply the deductive reasoning process to the difficulties you confront at work if you understand how it works.

The steps in the deductive technique are as follows:

Make initial assumptions:  You begin by establishing an initial assumption that is widely held to be correct.

Form a second premise: After that, you consider a connected second premise. So, if the first assumption is accurate, the second premise must be correct as well.

Conduct testing: The assumption can then be tested in various settings and the outcomes recorded.

Come to a conclusion: You can determine if the information is valid or invalid based on the results.

Deductive reasoning examples

Consider the following examples to better understand how deductive reasoning works:

When customers receive prompt service at the store, they are satisfied. At our store, we give prompt service. As a result, our customers are pleased with our service.

To work as a civil engineer, you must obtain a civil engineering degree. You will not be allowed to work as a civil engineer until you attend a civil engineering institution and earn a civil engineering degree.

To make a profit, you’ll need to sell 100 items. You’ve sold 100 items. As a result, you’ve made a profit.

People over the age of 70 receive a 20% discount at our local Kirana store. Because my grandmother is over 70 and buys her groceries at the store, she will receive a 20% discount.

You can assume that these statements are conveying true information and build your assumption on them when using deductive reasoning. If the statements are correct, then your conclusion is correct as well.

When should you apply deductive reasoning?

Deductive arguments may be required at various times throughout your professional career. For example, you may be able to make better-informed decisions when looking for a job, accepting a job offer, interviewing a candidate for a job, hiring an employee, and managing your staff by using deductive reasoning. You might be able to improve consumer relations and make better business judgments as well. Furthermore, many jobs particularly demand candidates to be able to reason deductively.

With deductive reasoning, you can improve the following soft skills:

Problem-solving abilities: Problem-solving abilities will assist you in overcoming various work-related obstacles and finding appropriate solutions.

Working in teams with other individuals is common in the workplace, yet it can occasionally cause tension since people have different working styles. You might be able to get everyone on the same page via deductive reasoning to boost collaboration and production.

Customer service skills: You will be able to pinpoint the issues your clients have with your service and develop acceptable solutions to remedy them using deductive reasoning. Improving client happiness will benefit your total business and result in increased profitability.

Conclusion

The capacity to absorb statements and come to a logical conclusion based on those statements is known as deductive reasoning. The majority of deductive reasoning problems are verbal, however some do incorporate numerical reasoning. Syllogisms are a well-known example of deductive verbal reasoning.