inferentiell

Inferentiell is an adjective used to describe aspects related to inference—the process of drawing conclusions from evidence, data, or premises. The term appears across disciplines such as logic, philosophy, statistics, and scientific methodology to distinguish inferential reasoning from purely descriptive or axiomatic descriptions.

In logic and epistemology, inferentiell reasoning refers to deriving conclusions through rules of inference, such as modus ponens or modus tollens. In statistics and empirical research, inferentiell methods aim to generalize beyond observed data. Descriptive statistics summarize a dataset, while inferentiell statistics use samples to infer properties of a larger population, often with quantified uncertainty. Common techniques include hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, estimation, regression modeling, and Bayesian inference.

Usage notes: In German-language literature, inferentiell appears in phrases like inferentielle Statistik (inferential statistics) and inferentielle Schlüsse (inferential conclusions). In other languages, cognate terms such as inferential are used with similar meaning. The term emphasizes that conclusions are supported by evidence and carry uncertainty, rather than being direct observations alone.

See also: induction, deduction, inference, inferential statistics, descriptive statistics.