Which type of reasoning involves deriving general principles from specific examples?

Inductive reasoning is the process of deriving general principles from specific examples or instances. This type of reasoning begins with observations or specific data points, and from these, one formulates broader generalizations or theories. For example, if you observe that the sun has risen in the east every morning of your life, you might conclude that the sun always rises in the east. This method embraces the idea that even though the conclusion drawn is based on a number of observations, it remains open to the possibility of being incorrect with the emergence of new evidence.

The other types of reasoning mentioned involve different processes. Deductive reasoning works from the general to the specific, where one starts with a general statement or hypothesis and examines the possibilities to reach a specific, logical conclusion. Abductive reasoning focuses on forming the best explanation for observed facts, often leading to hypotheses. Analogical reasoning compares two different things to derive similarities or draw conclusions based on their similarities. Hence, the emphasis of inductive reasoning on forming generalizations from specific examples makes it the most suitable choice for this question.