Which type of reasoning involves applying general concepts to specific situations?

Deductive reasoning is the correct choice because it is characterized by the process of applying general principles or concepts to reach specific conclusions. This form of reasoning starts with general statements or premises that are accepted as true and then derives specific implications or conclusions that must logically follow from these premises.

For example, if we accept the general principle that "All humans are mortal" and we know that "Socrates is a human," we can deduce that "Socrates is mortal." This flow from the general to the specific is a hallmark of deductive reasoning.

Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, typically moves in the opposite direction, taking specific observations to form general conclusions, which is not what the question is asking for. Causal reasoning involves establishing cause-and-effect relationships and does not strictly deal with the application of general to specific concepts. Cognitive reasoning is a broader term that encompasses various thought processes, without specifically focusing on the general-to-specific dynamic highlighted in the question.