Review the basic differences and interplay involved with inferences and conclusions. An inference is often termed a good guess based on sensory evidence of sight, sound, taste, touch or smell. Look at a famous syllogism, or line of reasoning involving Socrates, the teacher of Plato. Consider the statement "All men are mortal." Humans throughout the centuries inferred that no one lives forever and arrived at the conclusion that everyone is mortal. This inference itself becomes a major premise in a syllogism. "All men are mortal." Now, consider the minor premise "Socrates is a man." In this case, the logical conclusion to the syllogism is "Socrates is mortal." Using this example, start a log or list of inferences and conclusions from academic, business and everyday living.
Review sensory data that provides evidence for an inference. You can make inferences with elementary school students collecting data involving favorite flavors of ice cream. Tally the results and ask students to make inferences. They might notice that more girls than boy liked strawberry. This could lead to the inference that boys don't like strawberry ice cream. Discuss this inference, and ask students if they think it's true, or if there are some exceptions. Ask other questions. Does the brand of ice cream matter? Does proximity to various ice cream shops influence the choices? Lead the class in questioning and testing the inferences. Adapt this inference project to all ages by letting the participants brainstorm and select topics for inferences.
Drawing conclusions involves taking specific examples and inferences and arriving at a general truth or principle. In secondary school and higher education, students often study social problems such as homelessness. By researching the issues, examining studies and participating in discussions, students can infer some of the causes of homelessness, such as a bad economy, an inability to manage money, or mental illness. Now, develop conclusions regarding this situation by thinking critically about the inferences. Which of these many causes might be the most important? Which could be less of a factor? The conclusion can also include possible ways to end homelessness.