Inductive Generalization

Front 1

i. Sample

Back 1

1. The specific information to make the broader conclusion about the target population

Front 2

ii. Target population

Back 2

1. What you are drawing the conclusion about
2. Not necessary people but the subject

Front 3

iii. Representative(ness)

Back 3

1. Making a sample representative of the point you are proving
2. The more diverse the target population the more representative the sample have to be

Front 4

iv. Variability

Back 4

1. What is the variability of the target population?
2. Does the target population have a lot of variability?
a. If so the samples would have to be more representative
3. How diverse is the target population?

Front 5

v. Bias

Back 5

1. Does the sample choose to focus or not focus on a particular thing?
2. Does the sample over/under emphasize something?

Front 6

vi. Low/high precision

Back 6

1. You want a precise argument that will make your argument high precision
2. A low precision argument is putting an argument together in a scattered sloppy way.

Front 7

c. Requirements for cogency

Back 7

i. Is the sample reasonable to accept or might there be bias or low precision?
1. Can I accept the claims being made based on the sample
a. A claim based on a bias or low precision sample is not acceptable

ii. Does the sample account for the variability of the target population’s relevant characteristics?
1. Have to know out the target population to figure out if the information is relevant.

iii. Is the sample large enough for such generalization? Is it Sufficient?
1. Is the sample sufficient to get to the conclusion
2. A broad general claim is easier to make a argument sufficient
a. The information should be high quality rather then high in quantity