theory-driven reasoning
noun phraseUK /ˈθɪəri ˈdrɪvən ˈriːzənɪŋ/
US /ˈθɪri ˈdrɪvən ˈrizənɪŋ/
Thinking that starts with a big idea and then checks if it is true.
Her theory-driven reasoning led her to predict the experiment's result before running it.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Reasoning that follows a set of rules or beliefs rather than just what is seen.
The scientist used theory-driven reasoning to explain the strange data.
3. A way of solving problems by starting from general principles and moving to specific cases.
In math class, theory-driven reasoning helped him prove the rule with examples.
4. Thinking guided by an organized set of ideas about how something works.
Doctors use theory-driven reasoning when they match symptoms to a known disease.