Which approach moves from specific cases to a general rule?

• A. Deductive
• B. Expository
• C. Inductive
• D. Laboratory

Answer: (C)

Inductive reasoning moves from specific cases to a general rule. It starts with observations, notes patterns across them, and then formulates a broader principle that fits the seen examples. This approach is common when scientists look at data from several experiments and infer a general statement that explains the results, recognizing that the conclusion is probabilistic and can be updated with new evidence. In contrast, deductive reasoning begins with a general principle and derives specific outcomes from it; expository writing explains information, and a laboratory is a place or setting for experiments, not a reasoning method. So the best fit for moving from specifics to a general rule is inductive reasoning.