Observation in Induction

How to observe in deduction

Observation in induction reasoning is an important first step that will decide your deduction process.

Similar to researching, we also use qualitative observation – a qualitative and objective observation.

“Data! Data! Data! I can’t make bricks without clay.” – Sherlock Holmes.

Example

Let’s take a look at an example.

Pay attention to any information that might help with your deduction about who this person might be.

This is a real post from reddit that makes people complain about having no clue.

Let’s start decoding and compare our observation.

From first sight, we notice this is a dirty white board, written with black marker but erased, hanged in a green wall.

The picture was taken crookedly, right side higher than left side.

Which can be due to OP being right-handed – a high chance educated guess but not a concrete one.

Next, take a closer look at the board, wiping pattern.

Can you see that the left and right edge of the board is white and straight, but not the bottom and the top.

We can also see the top right side has mountain like pattern compared to relatively straight ones on the edge.

A pretty obvious one but can be missed – a square shaped white spot in the middle of the board.

Furthermore, take notice at the wall, what’s the condition of the wall?

It looks dirty with the chipped paint.

Last but not least, as a detective ourselves, we must not miss this obvious one that no normal people pay attention to.

The light.

The light is white and dim, we can also see that’s there’s only one shiny spot based on the reflection on the board.

There can be a few more observation can be made but i believe that should show you how much observation that you missed.

And this is why you should not miss these observations.