Mills Method of Inductive Inference

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In summary, the conversation is about identifying which one of Mill's methods of inductive inference applies to a passage discussing a study on the correlation between left-handedness and lifespan. The person asking for help initially suggests the Method of Concomitant Variation, which is later confirmed as the correct method by another person. The conversation also touches on other possible methods and the importance of being sure of the chosen method.
  • #1
kennethj67
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Hello all. I am having trouble with this one assignment. I'm trying to figure out which one of Mill's method of inductive inference belongs to this passage.

Some theories arise from anecdotal evidence that is difficult to confirm. In The Left-Hander Syndrome (1992), Stanley Coren sought to evaluate the common belief that left-handed persons die sooner than right-handers. But death certificates or other public records very rarely mention the hand preferred by the deceased. What could serve as a reliable data source with which that hypothesis could be tested? Coren searched baseball records, noting which hand baseball pitchers threw with, and then recording their ages at death. Right-handed pitchers, he found, lived on average nine months longer than lefties. Then, in a follow-up study, he and a colleague telephoned the relatives of people named on death certificates in two California counties, to ask which hand the deceased favored. Right-handed people (that study found) lived an average of nine years longer than lefties.

For this, the method I chose was: The Method of Concomitant Variation. If there is anyone that can help out, I would surely appreciate the help. Thank you in advance.

KJ
 
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  • #2
Concomitant Variation sounds right to me.
 
  • #3
So does it sound right or do you really know if its right? How did you come up with that? I just want to be 100% sure. Thanks for the fast response also.
 
  • #4
Actually that is a tough call, I would go with concomitant variation after reading it again.

If the phenomenon being studied varies either directly or inversely with exactly one of a number of possible sources, then it is the cause.

It can't be agreement or difference since there is only one presented piece of data. The joint method also doesn't fit the provided data. I would say is concomitant variation because within the baseball group there was a nine month difference in age of death, whereas in the largest group there was a nine year difference.
 
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  • #5
O.K. Thank you. That is what I thought also. I think I will stick with that answer. Appreciate the assistance.
 

FAQ: Mills Method of Inductive Inference

What is Mills Method of Inductive Inference?

Mills Method of Inductive Inference is a method used by scientists to make generalizations or predictions about a larger population based on observations or data from a smaller sample. It involves identifying patterns or regularities in the data and using them to make conclusions about the larger population.

How does Mills Method of Inductive Inference differ from other methods of inference?

Mills Method of Inductive Inference differs from other methods of inference, such as deductive reasoning, in that it does not aim to prove a conclusion with absolute certainty. Instead, it aims to make probable or likely conclusions based on the observed data.

What are the steps involved in Mills Method of Inductive Inference?

The steps involved in Mills Method of Inductive Inference include: 1) observation and data collection, 2) identification of patterns or regularities in the data, 3) formulation of a hypothesis or generalization based on the patterns, 4) testing the hypothesis with additional data, and 5) revising the hypothesis as necessary based on the new data.

What are the limitations of Mills Method of Inductive Inference?

One limitation of Mills Method of Inductive Inference is that the conclusions drawn from the observed data may not always be accurate or representative of the larger population. This is because the sample used may not be truly representative, or there may be other factors that influence the observed patterns. Additionally, the method does not provide absolute certainty in the conclusions made.

How is Mills Method of Inductive Inference used in scientific research?

Mills Method of Inductive Inference is commonly used in scientific research to make generalizations or predictions about a larger population based on observations or data from a smaller sample. It is particularly useful in fields such as psychology, sociology, and marketing, where it is not always possible or practical to study the entire population of interest.

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