What is deductive reasoning primarily focused on?

Deductive reasoning primarily involves starting with a general principle or theory and using it to draw specific conclusions. This systematic approach allows individuals to apply established knowledge to particular situations. By examining overarching data or theories, one can logically deduce or infer conclusions that hold true for specific cases, ensuring that the reasoning process is grounded in established facts.

For instance, if a veterinarian knows that all mammals require oxygen to survive (a general principle), they can deduce that a specific mammal, such as a dog, also needs oxygen for survival. This process is fundamental in scientific inquiry, allowing researchers and practitioners to derive specific insights based on well-established principles or data trends.

The other options do not align with the principles of deductive reasoning. Creating theories based on limited observations relates more to inductive reasoning, which builds generalizations from specific examples. Examining specific cases without broader context lacks the systematic approach that deductive reasoning embodies, while collecting data on all possible outcomes hints at an exhaustive investigation process that does not necessarily lead to specific conclusions in the same manner that deductive reasoning does.