Editing Inductive reasoning (section)

=== Statistical syllogism ===
{{Main|Statistical syllogism}}

A statistical [[syllogism]] proceeds from a generalization about a group to a conclusion about an individual.

:Proportion Q of the known instances of population P has attribute A.
: Individual I is another member of P.
: Therefore, there is a probability corresponding to Q that I has A.

For example:
:90% of graduates from Excelsior Preparatory school go on to university.
:Bob is a graduate of Excelsior Preparatory school.
:Therefore, Bob will probably go on to university.

This is a ''statistical syllogism''.<ref name="Logic">Introduction to Logic. Harry J. Gensler, Rutledge, 2002. p. 268</ref> Even though one cannot be sure Bob will attend university, the exact probability of this outcome is fully assured (given no further information). Two ''[[dicto simpliciter]]'' fallacies can occur in statistical syllogisms: "[[accident (fallacy)|accident]]" and "[[converse accident]]".