Which term describes opinions formed from partial evidence?

Which term describes opinions formed from partial evidence?

• A. Opinions
• B. Inferences
• C. Facts
• D. Generalizations

Answer: (B)

Forming a conclusion from clues or incomplete information is called making an inference. It involves using what you observe plus reasoning to fill in gaps and arrive at a reasonable conclusion. For example, seeing dark clouds and smelling rain leads you to infer that it might rain soon. Opinions are personal beliefs not necessarily tied to evidence. Facts are statements that can be proven true. Generalizations are broad claims drawn from limited examples. Because this situation describes drawing a conclusion from partial evidence, inference is the term that fits best.

Forming a conclusion from clues or incomplete information is called making an inference. It involves using what you observe plus reasoning to fill in gaps and arrive at a reasonable conclusion. For example, seeing dark clouds and smelling rain leads you to infer that it might rain soon. Opinions are personal beliefs not necessarily tied to evidence. Facts are statements that can be proven true. Generalizations are broad claims drawn from limited examples. Because this situation describes drawing a conclusion from partial evidence, inference is the term that fits best.