Question

Scientists in the Institute of Virology tested Influenza-affected patients in Wuhan for all known acute respiratory diseases but could not establish the cause for their influenza from the set of known causes. Hence, they inferred for the first time that a Novel Corona Virus is the cause of their disease.
Determine which of Mill’s methods matches with the above description?

• A. Method of Residues
• B. Method of Difference
• C. Method of Agreement
• D. Joint method of Agreement and Difference

Hint:

The Method of Residues is commonly used in scientific discovery when known explanations are systematically ruled out.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Method of Residues.
Mill’s Method of Residues involves subtracting known causes from a phenomenon so that the remaining unexplained effect is attributed to a new or unknown cause.
Step 2: Applying the method to the given case.
Scientists eliminated all known causes of respiratory disease. The remaining unexplained cause was inferred to be a novel virus.
Step 3: Eliminating other methods.
The Method of Difference and Agreement rely on direct comparison of cases, which is not the primary reasoning used here.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The reasoning process clearly follows the Method of Residues.
Final Answer: (A) Method of Residues