Deductive Reasoning

Yesterday I talked about that great game Clue and how it was a game of Deductive Reasoning.  So, what is Deductive Reasoning and how does it apply to Private Investigators and Detectives?  Deductive Reasoning  starts out with  general information and you will form your general theory or hypothesis and refine it as you work your way down and gather more specific information until you get to your final conclusion.  I like to think of it in terms of an upside down pyramid, that is a good way to visualize the concept.  Caveat:  if the information you are given or gather is faulty, then the conclusion will most likely be wrong. Obviously this is a good way for Private Investigators and Detectives to work, it keeps them focused and moving in an organized, logical direction.  Remember Algebra class and those dreaded word problems?  Remember Geometry and those dreaded proofs?  They used deductive reasoning skills.  Here is a link to a very good article from eHow; "How Do I Develop Deductive Reasoning and Critical-Thinking Skills?"  by Angela Baird.  http://www.ehow.com/how_6925811_do-reasoning-_amp_-critical_thinking-skills_.html

Supersonic Safety Research says, "develop those Deductive Reasoning skills and solve some cases."