What is deductive reasoning?

Deductive reasoning is defined as the process by which conclusions are drawn by logical inference from given premises. This method takes general principles or known facts and applies them to specific cases to derive conclusions that must be true if the premises are accurate.

In fire and explosion investigations, deductive reasoning is crucial as it helps investigators systematically analyze evidence and formulate conclusions based on the established facts of the case. For instance, if a specific material is known to ignite at a certain temperature under defined conditions, and investigators can confirm that those conditions were present at the time of the fire, they can logically deduce that the material was likely the ignition source.

Other options reflect different cognitive approaches. Making subjective conclusions based on personal experience is more aligned with inductive reasoning or personal bias. Assessing the reliability of information sources relates to evaluating the credibility and accuracy of information, which, while important in investigations, is not the essence of deductive reasoning. Brainstorming to generate new ideas involves creative thinking and has no basis in logical deduction, focusing instead on open-ended exploration. These distinctions emphasize the unique and critical role that deductive reasoning plays in systematic investigation processes.