Deductive indicator words ("necessarily," "certainly," and so on) can present difficulty when you are trying to determine whether an argument is deductive or inductive. Sometimes deductive indicator words are used to emphasize the conclusion of an inductive argument. This may be done innocently, but it may also be done to make a conclusion seem to follow more strongly from the premises than it actually does. Consequently, when deciding whether an argument is deductive or inductive, the primary factor should not be the presence of an indicator word. Instead, other factors, such as the presence of a deductive argument form or type of reasoning, should be the primary considerations. When a deductive indicator is used with a reasoning type that is obviously inductive, you should treat the deductive indicator as a general conclusion indicator. Each of the following arguments uses deductive indicator words. Locate the indicator word used in each argument and type it in the space provided. Then, based on how strongly the conclusion follows from the premises, indicate whether each argument is really deductive or is instead inductive.

Argument A:
P: Exit polls in Massachusetts indicate that Ted Kennedy will likely win reelection.
C: Therefore, it must be true that Kennedy will win reelection.

Argument B:

P: If Sarah eats oatmeal for breakfast every day, then her cholesterol is low. Sarah does eat oatmeal for breakfast every day.
C: Therefore, it certainly follows that Sarah's cholesterol is low.

Each argument contains a deductive indicator word (such as "necessarily" or "certainly"). Type the indicator words in the spaces provided.

Argument A indicator word:
Argument B indicator word:

Which of the preceding arguments are deductive?

a. Both Argument A and Argument B
b. Only Argument A
c. Neither Argument A nor Argument B
d. Only Argument B

Based on the preceding arguments, is it true or false that a deductive indicator word reliably signifies that an argument is deductive?

a. True
b. False