Abductive reasoning

Definition

Abductive reasoning starts from a surprising or puzzling observation and infers the explanation that best accounts for it. The conclusion is a hypothesis — the strongest candidate among rivals — held provisionally until better evidence arrives.

Memory hook

“Abduction = the best explanation of the clues.”

What it sounds like

• The most likely explanation is…
• That would account for why…
• Something must have… — it's the only thing that fits.