1. a general conclusion, principle, or explanation derived by reasoning from particular instances or observations. See inductive reasoning. Compare deduction.

2. the process of inductive reasoning itself.

3. in conditioning, the phenomenon in which reinforcement of some forms of behavior results in an increased probability not only of those forms but also of similar but nonreinforced forms. For example, if lever presses with forces between 0.2 and 0.3 N are reinforced, presses with forces less than 0.2 N or greater than 0.3 N will increase in frequency although they are never explicitly reinforced. Also called response generalization.

4. in developmental biology, the process by which one set of cells influences the fate of neighboring cells, usually by secreting a chemical factor that changes gene expression in the target cells.

5. the act or process of producing or causing to occur. —inductive adj.