Inferences & Assumptions

Crit

Distinguishing Between Inferences and Assumptions

ical Thinking –

 

In order to be skilled at critical thinking, one has to be able to pick things apart to analyze a situation completely and as thoroughly as possible. Jumping to assumptions or wrongful conclusions makes no sense in the process and may create a higher degree of peril or create an irreversible process to resolve the matter accordingly. Therefore, the first step is to process the difference between an inference and an assumption of any situational assessment.

In order to analyze completely, one must address elements of the process effectively and create a command in thinking to formulate an answer or solution. Once we capture these elements outlined next, we can deal with situations more precisely and make logical decisions based on reasonable and relevant viewpoints.

Elements of this analysis are:

·         Purpose Statement

·         Questions / Approach

·         Information / Collective & Factual

·         Inferences of the situation

·         Assumption of the situation

·         Point of view in relationship to purpose of the situation

·         Concepts / Methods / Models

·         Implications /Consequences Strategically and Politically

In the book Critical Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life, by Richard Paul and Linda Elder they wrote: “They are present in the mind whenever we reason. To take command of our thinking, we need to formulate both our purpose and the question at issue clearly. We need to use information in our thinking that is both relevant to the question we are dealing with, and accurate. We need to make logical inferences based on sound assumptions. We need to understand our own point of view and fully consider other relevant viewpoints. We need to use concepts justifiably and follow out the implications of decisions we are considering.”

For the purpose of reasoning we must focus on inferences and assumptions – two commonalities often misused and wrongfully implied as an intellectual skill. The bottom line is each carry their own weight in the analysis or reasoning process but it is easy to mix the two up if one slips up.

1.      Inference: An inference is a step of the mind, an intellectual act by which one concludes that something is true in light of something else’s being true, or seeming to be true. If you come at me with a knife in your hand, I probably would infer that you mean to do me harm. Inferences can be accurate or inaccurate, logical or illogical, justified or unjustified.

 2.      Assumption: An assumption is something we take for granted or presuppose. Usually it is something we previously learned and do not question. It is part of our system of beliefs. We assume our beliefs to be true and use them to interpret the world about us. Beliefs, and hence assumptions, can be unjustified or justified, depending upon whether we do or do not have good reasons for them

It has been a human trait in all of us to use our beliefs as assumptions and make inferences based on those assumptions rather than the other way around. One can see how quickly you can stray from the purpose in resolving a situation, as an assumption creates different questions. The fact remains, we tend to make more assumptions than inferences and it takes a trained mind to make judgments, form complete clarifications and come to a reasonable conclusion based on the information we have formed.

People automatically make inferences to gain a basis for understanding things and actions. So quickly and automatically do we make inferences that we do not, without training, notice them as inferences but rather intuitive actions or reactions.  This line of logic is thin and must be taken into account each and every time your process an analysis of a critical situation.
This process enables us to separate our experiences into two categories: the raw data of our experience in contrast with our interpretations of those data, or the inferences we are making about them. Eventually we need to realize that the inferences we make are heavily influenced by our viewpoints and the assumptions we have made about people and situations. This puts us in the position of being able to broaden the scope of our outlook, to see situations from more than one point of view, and hence to become more open-minded by seeing the big picture.

Critical thinkers notice the inferences they are making, the assumptions upon which they are basing those inferences, and the viewpoint about the world they are developing or working in. One can sense an area of expertise or special skill developing here according to the trade or profession at hand. To develop these skills, learners need practice in noticing their inferences and then figuring the assumptions that lead to them. Table drills can increase effectiveness exponentially and provide good answers to these concerns.

People make hundreds of assumptions without knowing it---without thinking about it. Many assumptions are sound and justifiable and at times, very reasonable. Many, however, are not feasible in some specific professions and the need to be cautious and leery of any and all biases that may be forming and interjecting into the perspective. Thus this process tests your patience as well as your thinking.

Seeing the difference between these two elements of critical thinking can bring or begin the opportunities to see high quality inferences as coming from good reasoning. The point is that we all make many assumptions as we go about our daily life and we ought to be able to recognize and question them.

As professionals develop these critical intuitions, they increasingly notice their inferences and those of others to make better decisions and are put on notice what they and others are taking for granted. They also increasingly notice how their viewpoints shapes their experiences while at the same time effectively dealing with stress, anxiety and having a clear mind is important to make this process work efficiently.