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Inductive Generalization Outline

Inductive reasoning involves using specific observations or cases to derive a general conclusion or rule. It is a form of reasoning that is uncertain but seeks to provide evidence for the truth of the conclusion. There are two main types of inductive arguments: inductive generalization and inductive inference. Inductive generalization proceeds from a premise about a sample to a conclusion about the population. To be a strong inductive generalization, the sample used must be large enough, true, and representative of the overall population.

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64 views

Inductive Generalization Outline

Inductive reasoning involves using specific observations or cases to derive a general conclusion or rule. It is a form of reasoning that is uncertain but seeks to provide evidence for the truth of the conclusion. There are two main types of inductive arguments: inductive generalization and inductive inference. Inductive generalization proceeds from a premise about a sample to a conclusion about the population. To be a strong inductive generalization, the sample used must be large enough, true, and representative of the overall population.

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Xyrus Bucao
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Inductive Reasoning (Induction)

-reasoning in which the premises seek to supply evidence for the truth of the conclusion

-highly uncertain

-the truth of the conclusion is probable based on the premises

Sample:

I saw 5 swans which are white.

Therefore, all swans are white.

:: This argument could have been made every time a swan was found, and would have been correct
every time; however, it is still possible that in the future a swan of other color could be discovered.

In Law:

-is reasoning from a specific case or cases and deriving a general rule.

-draws inferences from observations in order to make generalizations.

In an argument, you might:

a. Derive a general rule in an accepted area and then apply the rule in the area where you
want the person to behave.
b. Give them lots of detail, then explain what it all means.
c. Talk about the benefits of the parts and only get to the overall benefits later.
d. Take what has happened and give a plausible explanation for why it has happened.
Inductive Generalization

-oldest type of inductive argument

-earliest form of scientific method

-empirical form of argument

- used in polls, surveys, mathematical equations and scientific studies.

It proceeds from a premise about a sample to a conclusion about the population.

I saw 5 swans which are white.

Therefore, all swans are white.

Basic Parts:

1. Population: the group that is described in the conclusion


2. Sample:  described in the first premise and consists in those members of the population who
have been observed or polled
3. Relevant property:  the feature of the sample that is measured in the premise and inferred to
the population in the conclusion. 

Note: Premises can be added to inductive arguments to make them more probable. (unlike Deduction)

I saw 5 swans which are all white.

I saw another white swan in a nearby lake.

Therefore, all swans are white.

Evaluating Inductive Generalizations

1. Are the premises true?


2. Is the sample large enough?
3. Is the sample representative or typical of the population as a whole?

An inductive generalization is a good one only if we can answer "YES" to all three questions.
If the sample size is too small= hasty generalization.

Finn is 6 feet tall.

Jake is also 6 feet tall.

Therefore, all boys are 6 feet tall.

If the sample is a biased sample: self-selected sample or cherry picking

Self-selected Sample:

In a web poll of Rate Your Teacher, usually the representatives are those with strong opinions.
Therefore, it is statistically meaningless.

Cherry picking

In a survey of which is a better pet (cat or dog), the representatives of the sample came mostly
from a neighborhood of dog lovers to ensure that dogs win.

Note: always refer to the 3 questions to ensure the inductive argument is a strong one.

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