Inductive Generalization Homework

Modify the arguments in 8.1 into the longer form we discussed in class.

Step 1: If you judged the argument weak, modify the sample the way you did in 8.2 to make the argument strong.

Step 2: Think of at least one other property that is highly correlated with the relevant property, and that is present to the same degree in both the sample and the population. Describe this correlation in the second premise.

Step 3: Add a third premise explaining why there is this correlation between the two properties, which will show that it isn’t merely a matter of chance.

Example: 1. 73% of 1000 U.S. residents polled support increased spending on education.

2. The sample represents the population well in terms of the demographic groups that are highly correlated with views about issues of public spending, such as political affiliation, age, and income.

3. This correlation isn’t surprising because the majority of the members of these demographic groups and their family members would directly benefit from increased spending on education.

4. Therefore, 73% of all U.S. residents support increased spending on education.

Definitions:

(1) Correlation – How closely the sample represents the population, i.e., whether any properties that are highly correlated with the property cited in the conclusion are present in the sample to the same degree that they are present in the population. If the sample size is too small it is impossible to determine this.

(2) Explanation – Whether there is a plausible reason for the high correlation of these properties.