The challenge of reasoning is applying logical judgement to arrive at an appropriate conclusion. The outcomes of the reasoning process, the process of critically thinking, evaluating, logically considering information are conclusions. Sound, effective reasoning results is a supported, accurate, appropriate conclusion, and fallacious reasoning results in an error. It is up to YOU to distinguish sound and appropriate reasoning from fallacious reasoning. Strong, effective reasoning uses one or more of the following approaches.
Direct demonstration is one of the most conclusive methods of proof.
However, just as a demonstration may support a conclusion, support from one demonstration does not prove a general conclusion. Sound reasoning involves the application of supporting evidence which is representative of all the cases. Failure to meet an appropriate standard of supporting evidence can result in the fallacy of hasty or over generalization . Using figures, data, and statistics relevant to a situation is another method of supporting a conclusion. Reading, interpreting, and evaluating statistical information can sometimes be difficult.