The correct answer is: B. the development of particular conclusions from a number of accepted general principles.
The deductive method is a reasoning process that starts with a general principle or hypothesis and then uses that principle to draw conclusions about specific cases. In economics, the deductive method is often used to develop models that can be used to predict economic behavior. For example, an economist might start with the general principle that people are rational and then use that principle to develop a model that predicts how people will respond to changes in prices.
The other options are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the deductive method. Option A is incorrect because it describes the inductive method, which is a reasoning process that starts with specific cases and then uses those cases to develop general principles. Option C is incorrect because it describes the assessment of economic performance, which is a process that involves measuring and evaluating economic activity. Option D is incorrect because it describes the drawing of general conclusions from a number of particular instances, which is a process that is known as induction.
In conclusion, the deductive method is a reasoning process that starts with a general principle or hypothesis and then uses that principle to draw conclusions about specific cases. In economics, the deductive method is often used to develop models that can be used to predict economic behavior.