In hazard analysis, what can be inferred from the term "deductive analysis"?

Deductive analysis in hazard analysis involves a top-down approach where one starts with general principles or known facts and systematically narrows down to specific instances or consequences that arise from those principles. This process often begins with identifying broad potential hazards and establishing general scenarios, then deducing more specific failures that could occur within those scenarios.

By using this method, analysts can identify critical failure points and potential outcomes that might not be immediately evident through other analytical methods. This structured approach allows for thorough examination and understanding of how larger systems may fail, ensuring that relevant safety measures can be planned and implemented accordingly.

In contrast, generalizing possible scenarios pertains more to inductive reasoning, while the notions of being restricted to theoretical applications or emphasizing subjective interpretations do not align with the rigorous, systematic nature of deductive analysis. This makes the top-down method a powerful tool in effectively conducting hazard analyses.