The inductive method is based on inference.
The inductive method is that scientific method that obtains general conclusions from particular premises . Also known as inductivism , it is the most common scientific method, in which four essential steps can be distinguished: the observation of the facts to record them; the classification and study of these facts; the inductive derivation that starts from the facts and allows us to reach a generalization; and contrast.
This means that, after a first stage of observation, analysis and classification of the facts, it is possible to postulate a hypothesis that provides a solution to the problem posed . One way to carry out the inductive method is to propose, through various observations of events or objects in their natural state, a conclusion that is general for all events of the same class.
Characteristics of the inductive method
We can establish that the inductive method is characterized by the fact that the reasoning goes from the particular to the general , or from a specific part to the whole of which it is a part.
In the same way, it is important to emphasize that this method is based on a series of statements that give it meaning. Thus, we can establish that there are three different types of them: observational statements , which are those that refer to a fact that is evident; the particulars , which are in relation to a very specific fact; and finally the universals , which are produced as a consequence or as a derivation of a research process, are empirically proven and refer to all the elements of the same class.
Experimental science usually uses the inductive method.
Complete and incomplete reasoning
Inductive reasoning can be complete (in this case it is close to deductive reasoning because its conclusions do not provide more data than those provided by the premises) or incomplete (the conclusion transcends the data provided by the premise; as there is more data, there will be a greater probability of truth. The truth of the premises, however, does not ensure that the conclusion is true).
This is an example of reasoning with a complete induction:
- Ricardo and Anahí have three dogs: Pancho, Ronaldo and Tito.
- Pancho is black.
- Ronaldo is black.
- Tito is black.
- Therefore, all of Ricardo and Anahí's dogs are black.
Below, meanwhile, we present an example of reasoning with incomplete induction:
- Pancho is a black dog.
- Ronaldo is a black dog.
- Tito is a black dog.
- Therefore, all dogs are black.
As can be seen, in the second example all the premises are true, but the conclusion is false.
The inductive method can be applied to analyze data from field research.
Thinkers who postulated the inductive method
Among the historical figures who have made use of inductivism, we must highlight, without a doubt, the Greek Aristotle , who establishes that inductive knowledge is incomplete because it does not lead us to absolute certainty.
Also to the English philosopher Francis Bacon , considered the father of empiricism. Bacon proposed that experience is a resource used as a way of knowing and addressed the importance of the love of observation and the desire to dominate nature.
Differences with deduction
The inductive method is often confused with the deductive method. But the difference is clear: while the first is committed to establishing a series of laws based on what is observed, the second does something inferior based on a general law.
Therefore, the contrast with the deductive method is that it deals with the general or the particular. That is why it can be said that it is the reverse reasoning.
Examples of inductive method
To complete this article we are going to mention other examples of the inductive method that can contribute to the understanding of the concept.
Take the case of someone who is observing a lake. There he notices that there are five ducks and they are all brown . From these empirical data and appealing to the inductive method, he concludes that all ducks are brown . Of course, the sampling is so small that the validity of the conclusion is unreliable: there is no statistical value that gives it firm support.
Let's now think about a consulting firm that carries out hundreds of surveys and interviews inquiring about the population's perception of the country's president. From all these particular assessments it is concluded that the president in question enjoys a good image . This is because the comments made by the respondents and those interviewed are positive.
The inductive method can also start from experimentation. A person throws four stones into the river and observes that all four sink (fail to float in the water). His conclusion after these experimental tests is that all stones sink in the river.
Let's consider another example of an inductive method. Someone is in city X and notices that, at dawn, the birds sing . That guy moves to city R and notices the same thing. He then settles in City Z and, once again, discovers that the birds start singing when dawn breaks. From these specific premises he concludes that birds, in all cities, begin to sing when dawn arrives.