COGNITIVE PSYC: CONNECTING MIND, RESEAR
COGNITIVE PSYC: CONNECTING MIND, RESEAR
5th Edition
ISBN: 9781337408288
Author: Goldstein
Publisher: CENGAGE L
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Chapter 13, Problem 13.1-1TY
Summary Introduction

Introduction

Inductive reasoning involves arriving at general conclusions based on specific observations and past experiences. This type of reasoning, using past experiences to predict future consequences, is used frequently by people in their daily lives.

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Explanation of Solution

Answer and explanation

The process of arriving at a general conclusion on the basis of specific evidence and observations is known as inductive reasoning. The conclusions are based on prior experiences and one’s observations. However, these conclusions, reached on the basis of inductive arguments, are not always true. Whether a conclusion seems plausible or not is determined by the strength of the inductive argument, which is further influenced by a variety of factors:

1. Representativeness of observations: This refers to the extent to which the argument applies and represents all the members of a category. Arguments that are more representative of the category are stronger than those that take only certain members of the category into account.

2. Number of observations: The number of cases on which the argument is based also influences its strength. The larger the number of cases examined to build an argument, the stronger will be the argument.

3. Quality of observations: Lastly, the quality of the observations or evidence also impacts the strength of the argument, such that the arguments based on scientific and reliable sources and evidence are generally more convincing.

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