__________ uses 'if... then' logic to proceed from a general hypothesis to specific predictions of results that can be expected if the general premise is true.

• A. Inductive Reasoning
• B. Hypothesis
• C. Theory
• D. Deductive Reasoning

Answer: (D)

Deductive reasoning uses if...then logic to move from a general premise to specific predictions that would be expected if the premise is true. In science, you start with a broad statement or hypothesis and derive concrete outcomes that should occur under those conditions. If the general premise holds, the predicted results should be observable, which makes the idea testable and falsifiable. For example, if all mammals have hair and this animal is a mammal, then this animal should have hair. This approach allows you to design experiments or observations that directly test whether the predictions hold. If the predictions fail, it suggests the general premise may be incomplete or incorrect, leading to revision. Inductive reasoning, by contrast, builds a general conclusion from many specific observations, not from an overarching if...then rule. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation to be tested, while a theory is a well-supported framework that explains many observations and predictions.