What is inductive reasoning and when does it emerge?

Inductive reasoning refers to the process of drawing general conclusions based on specific observations or experiences. It involves taking particular instances and forming broader generalizations or predictions. This form of thinking emerges in childhood, as children begin to gather experiences and observations about the world around them. For example, a child may observe that the sun rises in the east every day and thus generalizes that the sun always rises in the east.

Recognizing this developmental aspect, it is evident that during early childhood, children engage in inductive reasoning as they experiment and explore. They notice patterns in their environment and start to create broader concepts from these observations. This cognitive development lays the foundation for more complex reasoning skills later in life.