Page 260 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

Problem Solving and Decision Making in Groups 243

Distinguishing Between Facts and Inferences Distinguishing between facts and infer-
ences, opinions, and preferences is very important. Often, group members state opin-
ions as though they were facts, thus leading other group members to accept what may
be erroneous conclusions.
A fact can be verified as true or false. Facts either exist or do not exist; they are Fact
not open to argument, and there is no such thing as an alternative fact. A statement A verifiable observed
of fact is a declarative statement that describes an observation of some event. “It is event; a descriptive
raining outside” is a statement of fact if it really is raining and someone could verify statement that is true.
that fact (e.g., by looking out the window). Present events are relatively easy to
verify. If the statement of fact refers to a past event, that past event must have actu-
ally been observed by somebody. If several independent sources report the same
information as fact, you can be more confident than if it comes from only one
source.
An inference is an opinion that goes beyond what was actually observed; it makes Inference
a leap from a fact to a conclusion based on that fact. A statement of inference contains A statement that
an opinion, preference, or conclusion. For example, “The Las Vegas area is growing goes beyond fact,
rapidly” is a statement of inference that goes beyond the fact that the area’s popula- involves some
tion was 478,714 in the 2000 census and 583,756 in the 2010 census. Rapidly is a degree of uncertainty
relative term; whether this inference is valid depends on what we compare the growth or probability, and
rate to: average growth rate for metropolitan areas in the United States, average cannot be checked
growth rate for Nevada metropolitan areas, recent growth rate for areas of similar for accuracy by direct
size, and so on. Thus, inference is arguable. Table 9.3 provides examples and further observation.
descriptions of facts and inferences.

TABLE 9.3 Comparing statements of fact and statements of inference and opinion

Statements of Fact Examples
• Are limited to description. • The population of the Springfield metropolitan
area recorded in the 2010 census was 436,712.
• Can be made only after observation. • On August 9, 2017, Gloria Galanes lived with
three cats.
• Are as close to certain as humans can get. • The Library of Congress contained 34,528,818
volumes on June 9, 2017.
• Only a limited number of facts exist. • After instituting lotteries, three states reduced
their tax rates.
Statements of Inference and Opinion Examples
• Go beyond what was observed directly. • Springfield is growing rapidly.
• Can be made at any time without regard to • Gloria Galanes likes cats.
observation.
• Can be made by anyone, observer or not. • The heart of a nation is its official library.
• Entail some degree of probability, inferential risk, • We should legalize casino gambling to reduce
or uncertainty. the state income tax.
• An unlimited number can be made about anything.

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