improving strength in inductive conclusions

necessary prediction

a prediction that must be true if the hypothesis is true; if the prediction fails, the hypothesis is likely false

sufficient prediction

if prediction is confirmed it provides enough evidence by itself for strong (though never absolute) reason to believe the hypothesis is true

necessary and sufficient

It ensures that if the hypothesis is true, the prediction must follow, if the prediction holds, the hypothesis gains strong inductive support

TIP

switch “then” for “must” in if-then statements and see if it still makes sense