Most of the time, we get confused with terms like reasoning, thinking, inference and prediction. These are key science process we use to conduct scientific researches in our day-to-day activities. Here, I’m going to explain inference and prediction difference.
Consciously or by chance, we operate these terms to understand or solve problems. If you know the proper operational techniques, you will definitely sharpen your thought process. For this to make happen, decoding difference between inference and prediction looks promising.
Important thinking and research processes
- Observing
- Measuring
- Classifying
- Inferring
- Predicting
- Experimenting
- Communicating
Tentatively, these are not all but essential science processes one needs to go for search or invent.
In the previous articles, I thoroughly discussed the each and every aspect of “Observation, reasoning, and logic” as science processes.
Here, through difference between inference and prediction, I’m going to differentiate the important aspects of both terms.
Meanings of inference and prediction
Really, whenever you think about inference, you start relating inference with either reasoning or guessing. You may think that it may be similar with reasoning or judging something in terms of results.
But, in reality, inference have it’s crystal clear meaning and no need to muddle with other for understanding.
By letter, inference is a mental process of reaching at the conclusions about anything in question.
Scientifically, inference is a cognitive act of deriving conclusion by evaluating supporting statements or information. Simply, it is channel by which possible conclusion flows from given premises.
Cleary, inference is neither reasoning nor judgement but an act of manufacturing output in the form of conclusion.
What makes inference different from prediction
Prediction is generalization of observed concrete outcome to identify future situation. In simple terms, logical guess about what would happen in future on the basis of certain premises. It is best known as deriving future conclusion on true premises we have.
So, prediction is also like making conclusions but about future happenings. Inference, on the other hand, is an act of producing conclusions.
Hereon, let’s take a look at the following elements of arguments like statement, assumptions and premises.
Understanding difference of Statement assumption and premises
All are propositions play different roles in the form of statement, assumption, premises, conclusion etc. Right from the basic reasoning to argument formation, the use of statement assumption and premises is indispensable.
Statement Vs sentences difference
As per rules of language, sentence is a group of words including subject and predicate with complete sense of meaning. It means that to construct meaning of such organized group of words, one doesn’t need to borrow anything optional.
- Equatorial regions receive higher rainfall.
- Black regur soil is prone for waterlogging.
Grammatically, both are sentences with complete sense of meaning.
In short, complete sense of meaning is indispensable to be qualify as sentence. Obviously, it doesn’t matter what type of meaning it conveys. Only complete sense of meaning should be there.
Statement means to express opinions
On the other hand, to be qualify as statement, other condition need to be fulfilled. Structurally, a single statement may comprise one or two sentences.
- Nile is a perennial river.
- It flows through African desert.
Above both examples are used to convey opinions regarding Nile river.
Statement is a form of construction used to convey or express opinions of speaker. It is much more than sentence. So, to express a proper opinion, one might need more than single sentence.
Importantly, though all statements convey opinions but not assertions.
Statement Vs claims difference
Logically, those statements which asserts something in favour or against, called claims. In other words, claim is statement used to take position, regarding an issue.
- US is highly prone to natural disasters.
- Regular exercise helps to control sugar and blood pressure.
Usually, interrogative and exclamatory sentences can’t be claim owing to lack of assertion. But, both can be statements.
So far, we have realised that sentence could be statement but not all sentences. Similarly, all claims are statements but not all statements are claims.
Assumption Vs premises difference
Assumptions as well as premises are propositions commonly used to construct arguments.
Precisely, assumption is implicit claims; whereas, premises are explicitly stated assertive statements. Both are claims but one is clearly stated and other assumed.
- Now onwards, We have to think about organic farming.
Here, implicit assumption is that chemical farming is unsustainable mode of agriculture. It will degrade soil capability.
- Ocean acidification is a threat for shell bearing marine organisms.
This is clearly stated explicit claim.
Final thought on statement, assumption and premises
So far, I have somehow able to differentiate between two terms of reserch processes inference and prediction.
Precisely, inference is subject to deal with producing conclusions, whereas, prediction concludes about what would be in future regarding a certain situation.
Inference is inevitable cognitive skills in the presenting arguments. On the basis of statement, assumptions and premises, inference is derived.
Besides, you might have gained better insight of statement assumption and premises as well .
This is all about the statement, assumptions, premises, inference and prediction.
Simple and continuous future tense
Inference and logical reasoning
Writing hypothesis in research
Deductive and inductive reasoning