What does the term 'inductive reasoning' describe?

The term 'inductive reasoning' describes the process of drawing general conclusions from specific instances. This form of reasoning involves observing particular examples or data points and then forming broader generalizations or theories based on those observations. For example, if a person observes that the sun has risen in the east every morning of their life, they may conclude that the sun will always rise in the east. This method is pivotal in scientific practice, where repeated experiments and observations can lead to the formulation of hypotheses and theories about natural phenomena.

In contrast, the other options represent different methods or philosophies of reasoning. Creating theories based on absolute truths pertains to deductive reasoning, where conclusions are drawn based on established premises. Evaluating arguments based on their popularity is more about social influence or rhetoric rather than logical reasoning. Using intuition to arrive at the truth involves reliance on gut feelings or instinct, which is not a systematic approach to reasoning. Thus, option A accurately captures the essence of inductive reasoning.