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.

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 8, 9
• Lesson
• Link (website): How to Interpret Surveys in Medical Research: A Practical Approach (Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine) (Links to an external site.)
• Link (website): Methods (Pew Research Center) (Links to an external site.)
  • especially Methods 101 Random Sampling and Methods 101 Question Wording
• Minimum of 1 scholarly source

Initial Post Instructions
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.

Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least two peers or one peer and the instructor. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification.

Writing Requirements

• Minimum of 3 posts (1 initial & 2 follow-up)
• APA format for in-text citations and list of references

Grading
This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link:

• Link (webpage): Discussion Guidelines

Course Outcomes (CO): 3, 5, 6

Due Date for Initial Post: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Wednesday
Due Date for Follow-Up Posts: By 11:59 p.m. MT on Sunday

Search entries or author Filter replies by unreadUnread   Collapse replies Expand replies Subscribe ReplyReply to Week 5 Discussion: Inductive Generalization and Analogy

• Collapse SubdiscussionRussell WaltzRussell Waltz
  Aug 20, 2019Aug 20 at 5:12pmManage Discussion EntryOpening Post
  Hello Class,
  Welcome to Week 5! You may begin posting on Day 1, which is Monday, for credit.This week, we will be discussing the difference between providing an explanation and providing an argument. Along with your textbook reading for the week, here is an additional reading to consider for this week’s discussion:
  Archie, L. (2004). Deductive and inductive arguments. Retrieved December 26, 2018, from https://philosophy.lander.edu/logic/ded_ind.html
  Discussion Prompt:
  Using what you learn from the text and from research, you conduct from other sources, analyze polls and surveys. Discuss how can know if polls are reliable by simply reading a report of a poll. Discuss what criteria that we use to analyze polls. Discuss what part polls play in medical research. Discuss the value of 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 inductive generalization is sometimes mistaken for deductive categorical reasoning. Discuss the similarities and differences between inductive generalization and deductive categorical reasoning. Lastly, discuss why the analogy between inductive generalization and deductive categorical reasoning breaks down.
  Remember to use an outside resource in the main post, which needs to be on or before Wednesday. Don’t forget to look over the discussion rubric as a reference when you are writing your discussion posts. If you have any questions, please post in the Q&A forum or email me. Let’s get started!