Types of Reasoning

Different types of reasoning allow us to have different kinds of effect on individuals with the way we reason. 

1. Reasoning by analogy draws conclusions from comparing similar things when it is part of an argument. If one thing is one way with the other thing, the same should be for objects of a similar relationship.
   Example: My sister goes homes early yet doesn't have a social life. I have a social life and still have to go home early.
2. Sign reasoning is similar to judging a book by its cover because it draws conclusions due to appearance or other indicators.
   Example: Bree didn't smile at me when I shook her hand; Bree doesn't like me. 
3. Causal reasoning uses cause and effect.
   Example: I got home from dance practice at 1:00am in the morning. I overslept and didn't make it to my 7:30am class. 
4. Reasoning by criteria uses established criteria for future conclusions.
   Example: Clothing made out of 100% cotton shrink all the time. I shouldn't machine dry 100% cotton clothes.
5. Reasoning by example uses other valid examples for arguments.
   Example: Lisa stretches for 15  minutes every night. She is more flexible now and is able to do the splits in gymnastics. Stretching helps a lot.
6. Inductive reasoning uses past observations to make conclusions or generalizations, with the probability that it is could be false.
   Example: Gasoline prices went up in the past few days. Gas prices will continue to rise. 
7. Deductive reasoning is the opposite of inductive reasoning in that it uses generalizations for specific claims.
   Example: If I practice, I will improve on my dancing skills. I practiced everyday, and did well in the dance audition.