Together these analytic processes lead to answers to the questions that first prompted an inquiry and to the development of geographic models and generalizations. These are the analytical skills that all of us need to develop. Successful geographic inquiry culminates in the development of generalizations and conclusions based on the data collected, organized, and analyzed. Generalizations are the culmination of the process of inquiry, and they help to codify understanding. Developing generalizations requires that we use the information we have collected, processed, and analyzed to make general statements about geography.
Geographic generalizations result from inductive reasoning or deductive reasoning.
Inductive reasoning requires us to synthesize geographic information in order to answer questions and reach conclusions. Deductive reasoning requires us to identify relevant questions, collect and assess evidence, and decide whether the generalizations are appropriate by testing them against the real world. Geographers should also be able to communicate clearly and effectively, especially as we learn to answer geographic questions. It is a skill linked closely to good citizenship. We can develop a sense of civic responsibility by disseminating the answers we have discovered in geographic inquiry.