Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 12.2
Picture of golden rice which is grown to improve the nutritional quality of the grain.
Courtesy Golden Rice Humanitarian Board.
www.goldenrice.org
Forms of Reasoning
In general we divide reasoning into deductive and inductive reasoning. Deductive
reasoning uses general principles to relate causes to effect. Inductive reasoning
develops general principles based on detailed results. Deductive reasoning is important
in developing hypotheses or research objectives. Inductive reasoning is important in
relating our results to the remainder of the relevant literature. When writing a
manuscript or reading an article, we understand that the results are only directly
applicable to the conditions of the study conducted. The value of the research, how-
ever, is how well it can be generalized. Authors may be tempted to generalize their
findings beyond credibility. We must be careful to view the general conclusions in
our manuscripts and the articles we read critically.
Martin (
2009
) describes a third type of reasoning—abductive reasoning.
Abductive reasoning is developing explanations for two or more possible contradic-
tory sets of results or concepts. In science as in other areas of life, we are often
posed with false choices—it must be either this way OR that way. Most of the time,
science is more complex than an either/or decision. Abductive reasoning is particu-
larly useful in developing deeper hypotheses or research objectives. It is also very
useful in resolving anomalies that develop in a field of research. Abductive reason-
ers tend to be innovators in the field leading to breakthroughs. They also may be on
the outside looking in if they fail to mold their thought styles to the thought collec-
tive as described below.
