Which type of scientific reasoning is being described in the situation?

Question

Consider the situation.

Scientists discovered a sedimentary layer of earth with high amounts of the element iridium. This layer was laid down about the time at which the dinosaurs went extinct. Iridium is rare in Earth’s rocks, but it is commonly found in meteorites. Scientists suggested that a large meteor impact caused a layer of dust to envelope Earth, which may have resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs.

Which type of scientific reasoning is being described in the situation?

1.deductive reasoning

2.inductive reasoning

3.scientific empiricism

4.scientific rationalism

I think the answer is either 3 or 4

Answer 1

The correct answer is actually inductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning is when you use small, specific observations to prove broader theories, while deductive reasoning is when you use a broad theory to support smaller, more specific ideas. In this case, the scientists are using their specific observations, such as the fact that they found high amounts of iridium in that layer, to support their broad theory that a large meteor caused the extinction of dinosaurs. That means that this is a case of inductive reasoning.