Francis Bacon created a new way of scientific thinking called inductive reasoning. How was this different from the deductive reasoning of earlier eras?

Inductive reasoning differs from deductive reasoning in that they are two different ways to apply the scientific process and reasoning, to gauge whether an argument or theory is true or false.

With deductive reasoning, the premise of an argument must be true in order for the conclusion to also be true.

For example, if a red apple contains a worm inside it, then it must be proven true that apples can be both red, and that worms can get inside them.

If apples could never be red, or worms would never be able to get into an apple, then this would make the finding of a red apple with a worm in it impossible.

Inductive reasoning

Bacon introduced the idea that strongly proving an argument by collecting data is sufficient for the conclusion to be true, without proving each premise is true beyond all doubt.

There is no need to prove that an apple can definitely be red, or that a worm can definitely get into an apple - so long as it is statistically proven that that both of these notions are highly probable.

Here's a video that explains the differences of Inductive and Deductive reasoning in greater detail.

I'm sure it will be of great help to you.