method of exclusion

a principle by which empirical observation can eliminate (or exclude) possible causes for a phenomenon and thereby reach conclusions about the true cause. The principle is attributed to Francis Bacon, who proposed an inductive method (see induction) in which the observer lists both positive and negative instances of a phenomenon and then attempts to infer a common factor that is present in the positive instances and absent in the negative instances. Thus, the cause of the phenomenon is established by a method of exclusion of negative instances. See Baconian method. See also Mill’s canons.

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Psychology term of the day

January 15th 2025

overcontrolled

adj. denoting behavior that is inhibited and constrained, often driven by shyness or fear of rejection. The word is typically used to describe the behavior of children thought to be at risk for depression, but it may also refer to similar behavior in adults.