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LOGICAL ANALYSIS AND OTHER TERMS AND CONCEPTS

You need to know the meaning of the following terms, definitions, and concepts. In many cases, the explanation given here is brief. Part of your assignment in this course is to use your textbook and the WorldWide Web to supplement these definitions to the point that you understand them conceptually.


The Scientific Method and Logical Analysis

Technical Writing papers as well as papers in most fields of research use the scientific method as an organizing medium--going from problem to tentative solution to researched data to a supported conclusion and speculation about applications of the solution. Logical Analysis in science uses the Scientific Method as a means of discovering and validating information. The Scientific Method follows these steps:


Induction, Deduction, and Categorical Syllogisms

Within the Scientific Method, two type of logical reasoning are used: Inductive Reasoning and Deductive Reasoning.

This type of application can best be seen through a device of reasoning called a Categorical Syllogism, which is an example of Deductive Reasoning: The conclusion of the categorical syllogism may be either Valid or Invalid; it is valid if it is the only conclusion that follows from the major and minor premises. For instance, if we said that that conclusion would be invalid. From those two premises, we could conclude that Socrates either is or is not a human; neither premise says that Socrates is a human. Instead, they say that Socrates is mortal, which does not mean that he is human; we know that the class of mortal things is larger than the class of human things because it includes all humans and everything else that must die.

Also, one must consider the Truth of the conclusion. If the conclusion accords with reality, it can be said to be true. In the case of the above syllogism, which is not valid, the conclusion is true--because the historical figure Socrates was a human, one of the race of them inhabiting the planet Earth.

But, premises do not create truth, and the syllogism is a way of testing only whether one is drawing valid conclusions--not necessarily true ones. A syllogism may be valid and yet its conclusion may not be true; on the other hand, the premises may be false but the conclusion could be true. However, if the premises are true and the conclusion is valid, the conclusion should also be true. Only in that form is the categorical syllogism trustworthy so far as truth is concerned.


Graphics

The following section contains information on the following graphics-related topics:

Propositional Knowledge: First of all, graphics can be view as carrying information, just as various other non-verbal forms of communication carry information--dance, music, art, animal languages, etc. Basically, then, there is a message or information which can be conveyed in various forms, including graphics. This information we can call Propositional Knowledge, meaning that the user has information or knowledge to be conveyed by some form of communication--in this case graphically. The information might also be conveyed in other forms, such as a painting, an opera, or by body language. If we then can assume that information is in packets, to be expressed by various communication systems, then we can assume that graphics are also made up of propositions.

Simultaneous and Successive Presentation of Information: Propositions can be expressed singly or in groups. When language expresses a proposition, it does so in a Sequential or Successive fashion--through words, combination of words into sentences, combinations of sentences into paragraphs, and combinations of paragraphs into whole sections or whole compositions. But, to get the full meaning, the whole piece must be read through from beginning to end--Successively. So, propositions can be presented one at at time but not several at the same time (of course, in the reader's mind, propositions can be combined and new meanings derived.

Graphics are able to present several propositions at the same time--Simultaneously. The benefit of a graphic is that it can embed or combine many pieces of information that the reader can see all at the same time. Of further benefit, the reader can see if the combination of propositions yields any new information that can be seen only in the combination of the data or propositions. Such things as stock market predictions are based on such combinations of data viewed simultaneously.

The graphics themselves can be classed as three types:  Graphics that represent Objects, Abstractions, and Relationships:

The following graphics show these three types:

Graphic Showing an Object:
 

Figure 1
Trilobite
 



Graphic Showing a Relationship Between Two Quantities:
 

Figure 2
Unique Hosts Per Day
 

Source: http://shark/gsfc.nasa.gov/TOOLS /usage_plots.pl/h/804556800/804556800


Graphic showing an Abstraction:
 

Figure 3
Early Model of the Atom
 


The Numbering and Reference to Graphics in the Text: Graphics should be numbered and have titles, both given above the graphic itself. An example is given in the examples of the Long Report (listed in the Table of Contents). Also, graphics must be mentioned in the report before the reader encounters the graphic itself. This reference should be phrased like the following: "As can be seen in Figure 7, the recent increase in rainfall in Louisiana has given a quantum leap in mushroom growth." Do not use this pattern: "The recent increase in rainfall in Louisiana has increased mushroom growth (Fig. 7)." This last example makes it appear as if the Figure is unnecessary or unimportant.



Other Terms and Concepts You Need to Know

These other terms and concepts are explained either in the English 303 on Internet material or are covered in the textbook. If you have questions, please come by my office, telephone, or e-mail.


This list in not intended to be all-inclusive. If you have questions about what you need to know or need clarification of terms, definitions, or concepts, call, e-mail, or come by my office.

 You may find the following resource useful for for research and exploring terms and concepts in technical writing and in English:

 Resources for the Study of Language, Literature, and Composition

 This listing can also be accessed through the Table of Contents.


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