Suppose That We Try Very Hard to Find Some Disconfirming

question 25

Multiple Choice

Suppose that we try very hard to find some disconfirming instances for a generalization, but can't find any.Can we still make a strong generalization?

• A)No, a generalization requires disconfirming instances.(Thus the expression "the exception that proves the rule.")
• B)No, because unless we have identified a disconfirming instance, our generalization will have confirmation bias.
• C)No.We can draw a generalization, but it will not be strong.
• D)Yes, because the absence of disconfirming instances supports the generalization.
• E)Yes, because searching for disconfirming instances is not a very important part of making generalizations.

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Definitions:

Committees of Correspondence

Groups formed in the American colonies to maintain communication with one another as they resisted British policy in the run-up to the American Revolution.

Communications Network

A system of interconnected devices and facilities that enable the transmission of data and messages across long distances.

Local Laws

Regulations and ordinances that are enacted and enforced by local government entities such as cities or counties.

Tea Act

A 1773 British law that lowered the tax on tea to aid the financially troubled British East India Company, leading to the Boston Tea Party and escalating tensions between Britain and the American colonies.