The observational component of inductive reasoning speaks to the nature of critical thinking, which represents an analytical approach to understanding a particular concept. Asking questions is a primary component of critical thinking. Deductive reasoning, by contrast, requires conclusive validity be determined based upon a statement. In doing so, a person's perspective can influence this validity given the level of logical inference. Therefore, induction moves from specific to general, according to the Naked Science Society, while deduction starts wide and ends narrow.
Qualitative research uses observations and/or interviews for collecting data and generating hypotheses. These inferences of inductive reasoning lend themselves to the overall strength of qualitative methodology, which lies in its validity or closeness to the truth. Good qualitative research uses a diverse number of data collection methods that touch the core of understanding rather than just skim the surface of the facts, according to William M.K. Trochim. The benefits of being a critical (inductive) thinker include dissecting a particular thought, concept or situation, then reassembling its components to achieve effective decision making.
Quantitative research involves an idea-based hypothesis, data generated through measurement and a deductive conclusion. Trochim notes that this method provides for a much more broadly examined analysis, because there is no specific focus inherent to the deductive approach. The strength of a quantitative approach is in its pattern reliability or repeatability: the same measurements should yield the same results every time by virtue of the if/then formula (e.g., if you do not show up for work, then you will not get paid).
Offsetting fundamental academics (deductive) with artistic (inductive) pursuits is a good way to combat apathy within the learning environment, according to Randy Seligmann. This why music, finger painting and storytelling are just as critical for children as learning arithmetic and the alphabet. Utilizing only deductive methods as a teaching strategy restricts the opportunity for a well-rounded education; incorporating empiricism offers a complementary parallel between the two methods, as noted on the Landmark College website.