Question
-
Inductive Generalization and Analogy
The reasoning used in inductive generalization is based on empirical observations and the inferences we draw from such observations. As such, it is closely allied to the scientific method. It is also the method used in polls and surveys; reports of the results of these polls and surveys can heavily influence decision making in health professions and other areas of public opinion.
For the initial post, address the following:
Using what you learn from the text and from research you conduct from other sources, analyze polls and surveys.
If we simply read a report of a poll, how can we know if the poll is reliable? What criteria do we use to analyze them?
What part do polls and surveys play in medical research?
Of what value are public opinion polls?
Inductive generalization is sometimes mistaken for deductive categorical reasoning.
Using what you’ve learned in your study of analogical reasoning, examine why this may happen?
What are the similarities in the two? The differences?
Where does the analogy break down?
The website links provided in the Required Resources are a good starting place for your research.
| Subject | Nursing | Pages | 3 | Style | APA |
|---|
Answer
A report from a poll should be determined if it is reliable or not. First all, the report may be reliable if bias issues were identified and eliminated. It includes bias in sampling frames, procedures used to select respondents, the choice and framing of the questions asked, and the response mechanism that was used. Secondly, a reader should assess the data collection, analysis and interpretive techniques that were used in a poll or survey. Thirdly, a formal and valid research methodology must have been used for the poll report to be reliable. The last, but not the least criterion is consider the scope of the conclusions for instance inductive arguments made in a report should be strong and the inductive analogies have characteristics that make for a strong reasoning (Boss, 2016).
Polls and surveys play an important role in medical research. They are used in assessment of safety or efficacy of new drugs or vaccines, population’s readiness to accept vaccines and a population’s thought about existing healthcare policies, proposed changes or a new healthcare policy. Besides, surveys are used to answer difficult questions that may be answered via other methods such as whether to procure abortions in health clinics or not (Colbert et al., 2013). Public opinion polls are necessary to determine the general thought that people have about specific matters (Boss, 2016).
Inductive generalization may at times be mistaken for deductive categorical reasoning if the sample selected in non-representative of the target population. Similarity between inductive generalization and deductive categorical reasoning styles is that both minor premises tend to give a certain fact about a specific class of things or thing. Whereas, a major difference is that the major premise of inductive generalization tend to give a probable or certain fact about specific thing or to give a probable fact about a class of things whereas, deductive categorical reasoning tend to give a certain fact about a class of things as a matter of a rule or generalization. The other difference is that inductive generalizations gives conclusions with generalizations; whereas, deductive categorical reasoning give conclusions that produces certainties (Boss, 2016). In addition, analogy may breakdown if the comparisons between two situations, concepts, or things are not strong enough in order to make a case; for example when analogies are influenced by fallacy of generalization (Boss, 2016).
References
|
Boss, J.A. (2016). Think: Critical thinking and logic skills for everyday life (4th ed.). Pennsylvania: McGraw-Hill Education. Colbert, C.Y., Diaz-Guzman, E., Myers, J.D., & Arroliga, A.C. (2013). How to interpret surveys in medical research: A practical approach. Clevelan Clinic Journal of Medicine, 80(7), 423-425. |