Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CAT4 Practice Questions and Study Guide

The process of forming a conclusion based on specific instances or observations is best described by inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves drawing broader generalizations from specific examples or data points. For instance, after observing that the sun has risen in the east every day of your life, you may conclude that the sun will always rise in the east. This method relies on patterns and trends identified through specific experiences, making it distinct from other types of reasoning.

Generalization often refers to the broader concept of extending findings from specific cases to a wider category, while inductive reasoning is more closely tied to the cognitive process of moving from specific observations to general conclusions. Deductive reasoning works in the opposite direction, starting with general premises to arrive at specific conclusions, which does not align with the presented question. Causal reasoning focuses on identifying cause-and-effect relationships rather than drawing conclusions from observations, further distinguishing it from inductive reasoning.