Inferential Logic and Experimental Research

That logic is the art (or science?) of reasoning is a truism. The purpose of any research, particularly experimental research (so far as it can be distinguished from theoretical research), is to draw inferences from the results, as recorded or observed, of the exper­iments. The inferences can be in the form of either statements or arguments. Should an experimental researcher, to be able to draw proper inferences, be a student of logic? As pointed out in a Chapter 12, it is desirable, though not absolutely necessary. “Logic gives us norms for recognizing correct or good thinking, as well as incorrect or bad thinking, and develops in us a habit of analyzing our thought, of distinguishing carefully between our evidence and our conclusion, and of adverting to the structure of our arguments. . . . [I]t helps us know for certain whether or not our evidence justifies our conclusion.”¹ An experimental researcher, whose function it is to derive conclusions from evi­dence, or his experimental results, cannot afford to ignore the benefits that can be derived from the study of logic. Having said this, should one go a step further and conclude that to be able to do experimental research, one should have completed a few courses of logic for academic credit? No. Researchers at the grad­uate level and professional researchers may get the reading mate­rial from a large number of logic texts available. Undergraduates, who anticipate doing experimental work as a part of their cap­stone theses, may well be advised to take a course in logic, if one is available in time. If one is not available or convenient, students may be instructed in, or advised to study, a few selected chapters from an undergraduate-level text. Developing proficiency in vari­ous aspects of logic is difficult and time-consuming, besides being not essential in the preparation of an experimenter. The one aspect of logic of immediate benefit to the experimenter, and briefly discussed here, is that dealing with the validation of argu­ments leading to scientific inferences. The material presented in this chapter may serve the reader as a foundation to build on, if and when it is found necessary.

Source: Srinagesh K (2005), The Principles of Experimental Research, Butterworth-Heinemann; 1st edition.