Question

question 8 of 10
which of the following is an example of inductive reasoning?
a. it has snowed every day this week, so it will likely snow tomorrow.
b. the meteorologist predicts snow for new years eve, so it will snow new years eve.
c. it snowed on new years eve, so it will snow every new years eve.
d. february is a snowy month where i live, so it will probably snow a lot in february.

Explanation:

Inductive reasoning involves making generalizations or predictions based on specific observations.

• Option A: Observes that it has snowed every day this week (specific observations) and then makes a prediction (so it will likely snow tomorrow). This is inductive reasoning as it goes from specific past events to a future prediction.
• Option B: Relies on the meteorologist's prediction (a source of authority) rather than inductive reasoning from specific observations.
• Option C: Generalizes from one instance (it snowed on New Year's Eve) to a very broad and unlikely generalization (it will snow every New Year's Eve). This is an over - generalization and not a valid form of inductive reasoning.
• Option D: States that February is a snowy month (a general statement) and then predicts it will snow a lot in February. It does not go from specific observations to a prediction in the same way as inductive reasoning (it starts with a general statement about the month rather than specific daily or weekly observations).

Answer:

A. It has snowed every day this week, so it will likely snow tomorrow.