Inductive Reasoning
As a critical thinking, when you come across a deductive argument, you should examine the validity of the evidence for the conclusions. If the evidence is valid, the conclusion-and therefore the whole argument-is a good one. However, in inductive reasoning, the goal is not to test the validity of the evidence. Rather, it is to examine the validity of the conclusion. If the conclusion stems logically from the evidence, then the argument can be considered a good one.

But, how do you know if the conclusion is logical? In inductive reasoning, the main criterion is to determine the likelihood that the premises lead to the conclusion. Likelihood can be judged based on:

1. Common sense
2. Past experience

In short, inductive reasoning is the process of drawing conclusions from evidence. A good inductive argument is one in which it is very likely that the premises lead to the conclusion. Past experience and common sense can be used to measure that likelihood.