LESSON 3 : Logical Reasoning

What is Logical Reasoning?

Logical reasoning is a type of problem-solving that involves working through a
set of rules that govern a scenario. This set of rules or steps is referred to as an
algorithm. Logical reasoning involves testing different sets of steps - or algorithms -
to determine which sequence of rules leads to the correct solution.
Logical reasoning consists of aptitude questions that require a logical level of
analysis to arrive at the correct solution. Most of the questions are constructed
based on concepts and the rest are out of the box thinking ones.
In practice, it involves using given data to determine or to deduce other facts.
To reason logically, you’ll need to draw accurate conclusions based on identified
premises.
The three types of logical reasoning
Logical reasoning is an umbrella term that encompasses several different
types of reasoning: deductive, inductive, and abductive.
Deductive reasoning starts by presenting premises and relations, which
can be followed to reach a solid conclusion. There is a guaranteed certainty involved
in deductive reasoning. It takes a general rule (or rules) and uses them to arrive at a
specific conclusion that is always true.
Example: All dogs are four-legged. Poppy is a dog. Poppy has four legs.
Inductive reasoning has a different starting point. Observations are used to
reach conclusions about the premises and relations at play, which can then be used
to draw conclusions. It involves beginning with a specific observation and arriving at
a general conclusion. This conclusion has less certainty than in deductive reasoning.
Example: Poppy is a dog. Poppy is four-legged. All dogs have four legs.
Abductive reasoning involves an incomplete observation (or set of
observations) that are used to determine the best prediction. This may be true, but
ultimately it is a best guess and is open to inaccuracy.
Example: All dogs have four legs. Poppy is four-legged. Poppy is a dog.
When might you use logical reasoning?
Our brains employ logical reasoning skills throughout daily life, making
deductions and visualizing outcomes so the best course of action can be selected or
the appropriate decision made. This rapid reasoning process is unconscious but
governs much of our sense-making and behavior.
The chances are you probably consciously use logical reasoning skills a little
less often. If you enjoy completing puzzles or playing games you will be relying
upon logical reasoning skills. These may be word problems, spatial problems, or
involve numbers (such as Sudoku puzzles).
 More formal logical reasoning is used as a form of assessment within the
educational system and in recruitment.
Logical reasoning tests are a common form of aptitude test encountered
during the recruitment process. These tests are often set alongside verbal
reasoning, numerical reasoning, situational judgement, and personality tests, to get
a fuller picture of candidate ability and suitability for a job role.
If you’re applying for a position, it is likely you’ll encounter a logical reasoning
test during the early screening stage of the hiring process. Thankfully, logical
reasoning, like other reasoning skills, can be improved and honed with practice.
What are common types of logical reasoning tests?
There are several different styles of logical reasoning assessment used within
the recruitment process. Logical reasoning can be both verbal and non-verbal. This
means that some tests feature paragraphs of text, whilst others involve diagrams.
Deductive reasoning tests
Deductive reasoning tests present candidates with a series of word problems.
A set of premises will be outlined, and you’ll need to use the information contained
in these to come to the correct conclusion.
These premises may be contained within a paragraph of text, or laid out as a
series of statements. You’ll use the evidence provided to select the answer that is
true from the list of multiple-choice options.
A simpler level of deductive reasoning is also included within the more
general verbal reasoning tests, in questions where the candidate is given a
statement and must indicate whether it is ‘true’, ‘false’, or if they ‘cannot say’
based upon the written information given.
Inductive reasoning tests
Inductive reasoning tests - commonly known as diagrammatic reasoning
tests, abstract reasoning tests or simply as logical reasoning tests - involve making
general inferences from non-verbal information presented in diagrams involving
shapes and symbols.
You’ll need to analyze the sequence of shapes given, identify patterns and
the rules governing them, and then use these to determine the next figure in the
sequence or the missing part of the diagram.
Inductive reasoning tests are multiple choice, so you’ll have a list of answer
options to select from.
How to improve your logical reasoning
Incorporate more conscious logical reasoning into your life
 Completing puzzles and games that involve the direct application of logical
thinking will get you used to actively working through and deducing the logical
steps needed to reach a conclusion.
Incorporating learning with fun means you can hone your logical reasoning
skills in an enjoyable way, and it has also been shown to aid the acquisition and
retention of skills.
Take stock of all available information
Effective logical reasoning involves rapidly understanding and analysing data
- whether in the form of words or diagrams. You’ll need to be able to quickly identify
which information is salient and which is superfluous to the problem at hand.
Improving your ability to determine the factors that are influencing situations
will assist in identifying the information relevant to logical reasoning questions.
Make sure you understand the different types of logical reasoning
Ensure you know the difference between deductive, inductive, and abductive
logic in practice, as this will help you to understand the processes involved in
reaching a conclusion in each reasoning type. Working through a scenario from each
point of view - similar to in the examples given, will ensure you have a firm grasp on
the differences in the ordering of the logic.
 Deductive Reasoning: Start with general premises or known facts and explore
how they lead to specific conclusions. Deductive reasoning is about applying
universal principles to reach a certain conclusion, and practicing this can
sharpen your ability to think in a structured and logical manner.
 Inductive Reasoning: Unlike deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning starts
with specific observations and moves towards broader generalizations.
Engage in exercises that require you to draw general conclusions from
specific examples, enhancing your ability to identify patterns and predict
outcomes.
 Abductive Reasoning: Often used in diagnostic processes and hypothesis
formation, abductive reasoning involves starting with an incomplete set of
observations and deducing the simplest or most likely explanation. Practice
scenarios where you must infer the most plausible explanation from limited
data, which is a critical skill in problem-solving and innovation.
By actively practicing and distinguishing between these reasoning styles,
you’ll develop a more versatile logical toolkit, enabling you to approach problems
from multiple angles and devise more comprehensive solutions.
Take practice logical reasoning tests
Practicing online logical reasoning tests is the best way to improve your
logical reasoning skills. The more practice tests you sit, the more familiar you’ll get
with the format and structure of the test.
 Steps To Solve Logical Reasoning Based Questions
Listed below are some of the steps to solve Logical Reasoning questions and
answers:
1. Read and understand the information carefully.
2. Analyze critical logical information.
3. Think of all the possible solutions.
4. Compare the answer obtained with other possibilities.
5. Come to a correct logical conclusion.
The topics included in the logical reasoning section comprise of the following
type of questions:
 Verbal Questions – These type of questions can be solved verbally and no
pen-paper solution is required
 Image-Based Questions – Mirror images or paper construction based images
may be given in the question and candidates may be asked to find similar or
dissimilar figures
 Puzzle Questions – This includes seating arrangement or arranging
people/days/months/places, etc. in different formats
 Sequence Questions – In such questions a series or sequence of
people/numbers/alphabets, etc. may be given and questions based on the
same may be asked
For more information on the different topics, you can check the linked pages
below.
List of Topics under the Logical Reasoning Section
Aspirants need to study all the below topics under the Logical Reasoning
section:
1. Alphanumeric series
2. Reasoning Analogies
3. Artificial Language
4. Blood Relations
5. Calendars
6. Cause and Effect
7. Clocks
8. Coding-Decoding
 9. Critical path
10.Cubes and cuboids
11.Data Sufficiency
12.Decision Making
13.Deductive Reasoning/Statement Analysis
14.Dices
15.Directions
16.Embedded Images
17.Figure Matrix
18.Input-Output
19.Mirror and Water Images
20.Odd One Out
21.Picture Series and Sequences
22.Paper Folding
23.Puzzles
24.Pattern Series and Sequences
25.Order & Ranking
26.Seating Arrangements
27.Shape Construction
28.Statement and Assumptions
29.Statement and Conclusions
30.Syllogism
Candidates can go through the video explanation of the Non-Verbal reasoning
to gain conceptual clarity for different types of logical reasoning questions –

 Types of Logical Reasoning: Deductive vs. Inductive reasoning

 Common Logical Fallacies: Recognizing errors in reasoning (e.g., ad
hominem, straw man, slippery slope)
  Syllogisms: Understanding basic forms of logical arguments
Evidence in Argumentation
 Types of Evidence: Statistical, anecdotal, empirical, testimonial
 Evaluating Evidence: Credibility, relevance, and sufficiency
 Using Evidence Effectively: How to incorporate evidence to support claims
Ethical Argumentation
 Ethos, Pathos, Logos: The role of ethics, emotion, and logic in arguments
 Fairness in Argumentation: Avoiding manipulation and deception
 Respect for Opposing Views: Engaging in respectful discourse
Counterarguments and Rebuttals
 Anticipating Objections: Predicting counterarguments
 Responding to Counterarguments: Strategies for effective rebuttals
 Strengthening Your Argument: Incorporating counterarguments to
enhance credibility
Argumentation in Different Contexts
 Academic Argumentation: Scholarly writing and research-based arguments
 Political Argumentation: Debates, campaigns, and policy arguments
 Legal Argumentation: Building a case in a courtroom setting
 Everyday Argumentation: Arguments in personal and social contexts

Critical Thinking in Argumentation

 Analyzing Arguments: Identifying strengths and weaknesses in arguments
 Critical Listening and Reading: Evaluating arguments in spoken and
written form
 Constructive Criticism: Providing feedback on arguments
The Role of Audience in Argumentation
 Audience Analysis: Understanding the audience’s values, beliefs, and
biases
 Adapting Arguments: Tailoring arguments to different audiences
 Engaging the Audience: Techniques to capture and maintain audience
interest
 These topics provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding the
principles of argumentation and developing the skills necessary to argue effectively
in various contexts.
In practice, it involves using given data to determine or to deduce other facts.
To reason logically, you’ll need to draw accurate conclusions based on identified
premises.