Induction

Induction is the process of drawing conclusions by generalizing from specific observations to discover patterns. Induction is the foundation of the scientific method. In the scientific method, the scientist

• makes observations of phenomena, and
• based on these observations, formulates a hypothesis (statement of pattern),
• then determines conditions for testing the hypothesis
• in order to reach a conclusion based on observed evidence that substantiates or contradicts the hypothesis

The simplest way to falsify a generalization is to provide a counterexample, that is, an example that contradicts the generalization (Barnet and Bedau 63).

Works Cited

Barnet, Sylvia and Hugo Bedau. Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing: A Critical Guide to Argument. 3rd ed. Boston: Bedford St. Martin's, 1999.

ENGL1010 Composition I