ZHANG Qi1, ZHOU Yong-zhang2,3
1. Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100029, China;
2. Center for Earth Environment & Resources, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
3. Guangdong Provinical Key Laboratory of Mineral Resources and Geological Processes, Guangzhou 510275, China
Abstract: Deduction and induction are two ways from which people recognize the world. Deduction is the method derived from general conclusion or general summary to individual conclusions, and the main form of deductive conclusion is syllogism. Induction, the opposite of deduction, is summing up general conclusion from individual facts, outlining the general principle from individuals. Big data method is different from these two mentioned above. Huge amounts of samples instead of a small amount of samples, mixed data instead of accurate data and correlation instead of causation, are the essence of big data. The method can draw macroscopic and direct conclusions that is hard to be replaced by traditional methods. Big data method is an epoch-making revolution of scientific methodology, is the third tool of human understanding and transforming the world after deduction and induction. Big data study would dig out truthful and predictable results, which is the hot spot and core of big data research.
Key words: big data method inductive method deductive method truthfulness predictability
Bulletin of Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry Vol.36, No.6, 2017, page 881-885
