Which reasoning method involves drawing general conclusions from specific data?

The process of drawing general conclusions from specific data is known as inductive reasoning. This reasoning method takes particular instances or observations and uses them to form broader generalizations or theories. For example, if you observe that the sun rises in the east every morning, you might conclude that the sun always rises in the east. The conclusions in inductive reasoning are not guaranteed to be true, but they are based on patterns or repeated observations that lead to probabilistic inferences.

Inductive reasoning is fundamental in scientific methods, where repeated experiments and observations lead to higher-level theories and principles. This contrasts with deductive reasoning, which starts with general principles and deduces specific conclusions, making it a different form of reasoning altogether. The other reasoning methods listed have their unique focuses: abductive reasoning often involves inferring the most likely explanation from incomplete information, while critical reasoning evaluates arguments and evidence rather than forming conclusions from specifics.