Using deductive reasoning, the writer a. starts with a theoretical premise, forms hypotheses about expectations, then gathers data to confirm or reject. b. starts by gathering data, then forms empirical generalizations about data to form a theory. c. attempts to deduce outcomes based on personal observations and life experience. d. attempts to attempts to make sense of a problem by collecting as much data as possible. e. "a" and "c" are correct

a is correct because of its Top-down logic

Explanation:

Deductive reasoning is also known as top-down logic, where inductive reasoning refers to bottom-up logic. Top-down logic starts with a theory or premise that is generally assumed to be true, and then moves down all the way to gathering data that confirms or reject the theory.

Taking this in account we can reason that:

b is an example of inductive reasoning

c is subjective reasoning because it's based on personal observations

d is not reasoning at all because, when confronted with a problem, we should try first to define and analyse it before rushing to collecting data.

e is wrong, that is, when the reasoning I've done (a is right and c is wrong) has been correct.