Abductive reasoning

How it is used

It proposes an explanation without guaranteeing that it is correct.

Example sentences

1. Using abductive reasoning, we considered timetable clashes as an explanation for absences.

   A plausible cause is proposed for the observed pattern.

2. The abductive reasoning guided our next interviews but did not settle the question.

   The proposed explanation still requires further investigation.

Common collocations

• use abductive reasoning
• abductive reasoning process

Related terms

• hypothesisA testable statement that predicts a relationship or outcome, which a study then supports or fails to support with evidence.
• plausibleReasonable and likely to be true, although not yet proven by clear evidence.

More terms: Argument and Hedging

• argument
• evidence
• hedging
• argue
• claim
• suggest
• to some extent
• counterargument
• stance
• it could be argued that
• acknowledge
• arguably