Inductive Reasoning Examples

The following article will provide you with some simple inductive reasoning examples with the intention of making the concept simple and easy to understand. Continue reading to understand what is inductive reasoning and how it is applied.

Inducing is 'bringing about', while reasoning is 'arriving at a conclusion'. Therefore, inductive reasoning is all about arriving at a conclusion on the basis of principle facts which guide you towards the conclusion. Also known as inductive logic, it is one of the simplest tool of assessment which can help you determine whether a person has the ability to work in unfamiliar conditions in a flexible manner in order to solve the problem. While the critics of inductive reasoning have their own opinion about this concept, the use of inductive reasoning examples in literature and daily life problem solving speaks in volumes for it. A look at some examples of inductive reasoning will help you grasp the concept easily.

What is Inductive Reasoning?

In the glossary of psychology terms and definitions, inductive reasoning or 'induction' is defined as reasoning based on detailed facts and general principles, which are eventually used to reach a specific conclusion. Interestingly, inductive reasoning is a type of reasoning wherein the chances of the conclusion being false are significant even when all the premises, on which the conclusion is based, are true. Inductive reasoning can be categorized into different types.

• Casual inference
• False analogy
• Generalization
• Simple induction
• Statistical syllogism

While deductive reasoning goes from general to specific, inductive reasoning goes from specific to general. In simple words, it is a form of reasoning which begins with a specific argument and arrives at a general logical conclusion. In many cases, induction is termed as 'strong' and 'weak' on the basis of the credibility of the argument put forth.

Example of Strong Inductive Reasoning

All the tigers observed in a particular region have yellow black stripes, therefore all the tigers native to this region have yellow stripes.

Even though all the tigers that were observed sported yellow black stripes, the existence of a tiger with black and white stripes cannot be ruled out. Taking that into consideration, we can assume that the conclusion given in this example is not certain. However, the fact that the chances of coming across a white tiger are rare owing to which we can accept this argument, and thus it qualifies to be a good example of strong induction. Simply put a strong induction is one wherein the conclusion is backed by the premises to a significant extent.

Examples of Weak Inductive Reasoning

I always jump the red light, therefore everybody jumps the red light.

Unlike in the case of strong induction, the conclusion is not linked to premises when it comes to weak induction. In the example of weak inductive reasoning given above, concluding that everybody jumps the red light just because one person does so is not at all an exercise of logical thinking. Simply put, a weak induction has a faulty logic in the backdrop.

More Examples of Inductive Reasoning

The relationship between the premises and proposition forms the base of any inductive reasoning argument. Going through some examples of this form of reasoning will help you understand the concept better. So let's go through some inductive reasoning examples in everyday life.

"Every time you eat shrimp, you get cramps. Therefore you get cramps because you eat shrimp."

"Mikhail hails from Russia and Russians are tall, therefore Mikhail is tall."

"When chimpanzees are exposed to rage, they tend to become violent. Humans are similar to chimpanzees, and therefore they tend to get violent when exposed to rage."

"All men are mortal. Socrates is a man, and therefore he is mortal."

"The women in the neighboring apartment has a shrill voice. I can hear a shrill voice from outside, therefore the women in the neighboring apartment is shouting."

This was a compilation of some simple inductive reasoning examples along with a brief explanation about this concept. Comparing these examples with deductive reasoning examples will give you a better idea about what is the difference between inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. We may not realize this, but we do resort to inductive reasoning for numerous day-to-day activities in our life. That being said, it wouldn't be surprising if you come across several circumstances wherein you will have no other option but to rely on inductive reasoning even when you think it is unreliable.

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Group Problem Solving Activities for Adults

Problem solving is one of the most basic skills to learn, be it in the professional or personal context. In the following article we will list out some of the problem solving activities that you can adopt and hone this skill thus.

The fact is that any situation, function, activity (and whatever other context you can think of) will have the emerging of problems at one point or the other in its course. Nothing can function smoothly from beginning to end. In that way, problems are a natural part of life, no matter what context they are placed under. The most effective thing to do therefore, is to develop the skills of problem solving. An innate understanding of how to tackle any problem head on will give one the confidence that no matter what situation they find themselves in, they have the capacity to come out of the same.

Learning the varied skills of problem solving especially helps in the professional world because one is required to work in a group for the sake of a bigger goal. While there are several ways in which problem solving tactics can be learned, in this article we will focus on some of the most effective group problem solving activities for adults. Read through the following section for some of the best problem solving exercises for adults that you can learn from and adopt.

Problem Solving Group Games for Adults

Why group games? For the simple reason that there is nothing quite as effective as games, to get one to learn the basics of problem solving. When you put it in the form of games, it takes the pressure off of 'learning' something. You enjoy playing it instead and learn in the process. It's as simple as that. And now to get you some of the most creative group problem solving activities.

Blind Man's Web

This game requires a lot of concentration, the ability to instruct correctly and to not crumble under pressure. Divide the group into teams of equal members. Provide them with a ball of wool that they have to use to create a web. Ask the teams to make the web in the designated area provided for them, without using any tapes or the like. Once the teams are done creating their individual webs, switch the teams into a different web so that the difficulty level increases. Blindfold one member of the team and let him at the web, while his other team members have to give him instructions on how to go about solving the web and retrieving the line of wool as is. Give them a calculated amount of time for solving this one. The team that manages to solve the web first, wins.

The No-Crack Egg

Divide the group into teams of equal numbers. Provide each of these teams with materials like straws, newspapers, cello tape, string, cardboard material and 1 raw egg. The objective of the game is to prepare an egg cover using the items provided, such that when the egg is thrown from a height of 15 feet, it should not crack.

List of To-Dos

A take on the scavenger hunt game, this one provides for a whole lot of entertainment while bringing the skills of problem solving into the picture. The group is divided into teams and they are provided a list of to-do activities that they have to solve to get to the big prize. These activities are a mix of both - simple and tough. List activities like solving a puzzle, writing a poem on a particular theme, physical activities like retrieving a packet from the company lobby, drinking 5 glasses of milk, etc. This activity requires for continued levels of motivation to last throughout the course of the exercise. The team that manages to stay motivated and work through the tension and adrenaline rush to complete all the activities, wins.

Balloon Relay

This one seems like a fun game to begin with (which it is), but it is also one of the most effective games of the group problem solving activities for adults. The group is divided into teams of equal members. Each team is provided with a number of deflated balloons, water, water guns and an empty bucket. The objective of the game is that some members fill the balloons with water and then throw it over to their team members (who are standing at a calculated distance from them). They have to catch the balloons and put it in the bucket. It might seem to be a very simple game, but there will be that time until the team learns just how much water to fill in the balloon, how to throw it and the best technique to catch it so that the balloon doesn't burst. The team that manages to learn and follow this will have less bursting of balloons and a higher chance of winning.

Duplicating Blocks

This is a simple problem solving activity and one that most of us have played in our childhood. Divide the group into teams and provide them with building blocks and a model that they have to duplicate in a given time frame. The team that manages to do that first, wins. Keep the difficulty level high for more effect. The key is to be able to work with so many people giving so many instructions together.

Group problem solving activities for adults can be of several kinds, and depending on the group that you're dealing with, you can choose some that will suit the group in question in the best possible manner. Leaving the fun quotient aside, these games truly help develop the required skills for problem solving. 

 

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How to Deal with Problems

Life comes with its ups and downs. It is a fact that we are all very well aware of. Life has its intense happy moments and its problems. I know that no one can coach anyone on how to deal with problems. But, I am sure that I can help you have the right perspective.

"None of us can be free of conflict and woe. Even the greatest men have had to accept disappointments as their daily bread." So beautifully has Bernard Baruch stated the reality of life! I have always believed that "A life without problems, is a life incomplete". Wouldn't life be like a mundane meal with the same menu, day in and day out, in the absence of problems? Pardon me for my food related metaphor, but its stands true, doesn't it? Well, just like problems are inevitable in life, the phenomenon of dealing with them yourself is also an eternal truth. As individuals we should all know how to deal with problems, in our own unique way.

I cannot really give a universal formula for solving problems in life, but I can for sure help you see things in the right perspective (after all, I do have a soft corner for you!).

How to Deal with Problems – Perspective 1
As Charles Kettering has very rightly said, "A problem well stated, is a problem half solved". It is very important, my dear, to address the problem. For that, it is essential to state it correctly. Often, people find their problems magnifying because they were to scared to state the problem frankly. Either, they kept mum about it all together, or they made it look lesser than it was. In both cases, it will be very difficult for you to know how to deal with problems in life, it you don't agree to admit to it, in the first place! Shying away from admitting the problem will only make the solution shy away from you. However, facing it will help the solution face you. Always remember, the only way to solve a problem, is through it, not around it. Read to know more on how to deal with annoying people and how to deal with difficult people.

How to Deal with Problems – Perspective 2
When wondering how to deal with problems at work, we often get caught up in focusing, a tad bit too much, on the problem. It is normal human psychology. Yes, I know I have said that you need to state the problem, but my dear, you need to work on addressing it as well. Don't you think so? While looking at the problem, one needs to keep in mind that problems, indeed, exist to be solved. And, it is only if you think of the problem as a cause for a solution, will you be able to reach that goal! Problems come with the seeds of their solutions within them. Just look out for the solution and you will find it; look only at the problem, and the solution will stay hidden forever! Read to know more on how to deal with stress at work.

How to Deal with Problems – Perspective 3
Knowing how to deal with problems in a relationship, seems like a problem itself. But, my dear, here again, you need to look for the solution. Problems in relationships are inevitable. In fact, I am of the opinion that a relationship without any problems is a farce. Then, that is your problem. Don't be confused. When in a relationship, you need to know that the only solution that will help you surmount all problems in communication. You need to be open when communicating in a relationship, especially during a problem. It is the same when attempting at dealing with family problems. You need to realize that it is only by talking out the issues, that any solution can be found. Hiding leads to more hiding, my dear. Always remember that! Read to know more on relationship issues and marital problems.

I do realize that no problem can ever seem small. They all have their short term and long term repercussions. Nonetheless, one needs to know that "Concentrating on the pile of dirt will not clean it, but cleaning the pile of dirt will actually clean it." So, start contemplating the solution, not the problem. In the end, remember, "If the problem cannot be solved, manage it!", I think that should work at helping you figure out how to deal with problems! This is where I sign off! All the best!

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Posted in: Problem Solving

Problem Solving Activities for Kids

Problem solving activities for kids can be anything ranging from simple maths problems to something else the kids are interested in. Read on to find out more about this.

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Deciphering the minds of kids is surely not an easy task. The gen next is extremely smart and knows exactly what they want and how to get it! Why, I mean they even get adults stumped with their googlies! The other day I was thinking about this and I thought what do the teachers and adults do to deal with these super smart kids? Well, I guess to know how smart and intelligent kids are one of the options could be problem solving activities for kids, what do you think? Can we check out some of the problem solving activities then?

Group Problem Solving Activities for Kids

They say that too many cooks spoil the broth. But with regards to problem solving the more number of brains, the better it is!

Hunting the Solution or Treasure?
Divide the children into 2 or 3 groups, depending upon the number of the children. For each group, have a small set of things in a basket at different places. Now there can be variations in this problem solving activity. Either you can leave clues in the form of puzzles for them to get to the treasure, or you can create puzzles for the children to guess those things in the basket. Keep a fixed time for the children to solve the problem and get to the treasure.

Aiming for the Best
In this activity the children partner up after they have got enough blindfolds and softballs. Once the kids are in pairs, one of them will be blindfolded. The one who is not, will guide the blindfolded one by the arm. The whole aim of this is to get that blindfolded partner to throw the ball at another blindfolded participant. If a blindfolded player is hit twice, then the pair as a whole is out.

Puzzling Away
Jigsaw puzzles are one of the best problem solving activities for kids. Yes, they are cliched, but they are really cool. They make the children think as well as take time to be solved, so children are engaged for a longer period. The best part is that this activity can be done in a group or individually as well. Hence it can be one of those team problem solving activities for kids as well.

Some more such problem solving activities could be -

• Divide the face of the clock into three parts with two lines so that the sum of the numbers in the three parts are equal.
• Jane opened her math book and found that the sum of the facing pages was 243. What pages did she open to?
• How many addition signs should be put between digits of the number 987654321 and where should we put them to get a total of 99?
• A man has to be at work by 10:00 a.m. and it takes him 20 minutes to get dressed, 15 minutes to eat and 20 minutes to walk to work. What time should he get up?
• Given a cube, draw a second figure with a square base, having 8 edges, 5 vertices and 5 faces.
• How many Squares on a Chessboard?

Now, kids can be 6 year olds and go up till around 13 years. So depending on the age, these problem solving activities for kids can be tweaked or different ones can be checked out. Some of these like the blindfolded activity can turn out to be those real cool recreational activities for kids and fun problem solving activities for kids!

Come to think of creative problem solving activities for kids you can always have something like a maze drawn and asking them to get a way out or give them pictures or objects in drawings and ask them to make story out of it. This will tickle their creativity and even logic on one hand. For older kids, an activity could be a project similar to farmville on face book, where in a limited budget, a project has to be conceived and developed with its nitty gritties.

The kids need to be engaged, and engaged constructively, after all what can be better than these problem solving activities for kids? They will learn as well as have a good time!

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Posted in: Problem Solving