Which term refers to the deriving of a conclusion based on reasoning?

The term that refers to deriving a conclusion based on reasoning is deduction. Deduction involves applying general principles or premises to reach a specific conclusion. It follows a logical progression where if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. This reasoning process helps to arrive at conclusions in scientific inquiry and mathematical proofs, as it relies on established facts or theoretical frameworks.

Deduction is recognized for its structure where one starts with a general statement and deduces specific implications from it. In contrast, inference generally relates to drawing conclusions from limited evidence, making educated guesses based on observations or experiences rather than strictly logical progression. Analysis involves breaking down complex information into smaller, more manageable parts, and observation is the act of noting and recording events or phenomena, forming the basis for these reasoning processes but not including the logical conclusion aspect directly.