How do I make logical conclusions?

Logical conclusions are made from two types of thinking. Working on a puzzle is similar to the first type of thinking. When you connect the pieces of a puzzle together, you end up with a picture. Likewise, when you add the facts or details together, you get an answer or conclusion to a question or a problem. You get the “big picture”. This type of thinking is called inductive reasoning.

One type of inductive thinking uses the “if-then” model. The “if- then” model of thinking involves combining facts and rules to form a conclusion. Be sure to include all the possible “ifs” (facts, details, and causes) or your conclusion may not be a logical conclusion.

Example If you study, if you get good grades, if you get a job, if you save money from the job, if you pick a college, if you apply, and if you are accepted, then you will be able to go to any college you want to go to.

The second type of thinking is called deductive thinking. Deductive thinking involves taking the “whole”, a finished puzzle for example, and dividing it into its pieces. This allows a person to answer a question or to solve a problem about a specific part of a puzzle.

Syllogisms, a type of deductive thinking, has three parts. The parts are the major premise (a general truth or idea), the minor premise (a specific idea), and the conclusion. The conclusion is formed be relating the major premise to the minor premise to form a logical relationship. It is important to ensure that the major premise is true. If it is not true, any conclusion formed will not be logical.