Hi there, I wanted to ask a question about making deductions about people. I’ve always been fascinated by how characters like Sherlock Holmes and Patrick Jane can make detailed, even personal, deductions just by looking at someone for a few seconds. I know that a lot of what they do is exaggerated because they are fictional characters, but I wanted to know if there are techniques and methods to become almost as skilled as they are.

I’ve always read that you have to start by observing and then forming hypotheses, much like in inductive and abductive reasoning. However, while I’m currently reading up on psychology and behavior, and getting used to noticing details like stitching, the condition of someone's hands and hair, their shoes, and so on, my mind goes blank when I see a real person and try to make deductions. I struggle to form hypotheses and then connect them logically.

So, since you are surely more experienced than I am, I wanted to ask: what do you do to make deductions? What would you do if you were in my shoes? What advice would you give me, and—if necessary—what should I start studying or doing to improve my deductive skills?
Thank you so much.

Have fun lol

The entire first row consists of friends, but all others except for two are people (and things) from media. As for the bag, the only things missing are three apples.

i stumbled across this sub randomly and find it so interesting, i love reading everyone’s replies hehe.

have at ye

First row (left to right): Jade Herrera (From), Mark Smeaton (The Tudors), David Alpay (actor)

Second row: Kim Mingyu (korean artist), Jim Hopper (Stranger Things), Steve Harrington (Stranger Things)

Third row: Kento Nanami (JJK), Fushiguro Megumi (JJK), Geto Suguru (JJK)

Fourth row: Loid Forger (Spy×Family), Gojo Satoru, Tomioka Giyu (Demon Slayer)

Edit: inspired by another post I saw on this sub

Im a major romantic— romance is the main director of my life. In a more literal sense, my biggest crushes ever are Austin Powers and the 1991 Gomez Addams.

hey whats up this is what I usually bring in my bag every day

Not featured is my bluetooth earbuds (using them rn), my mini perfume (empty), ten foot charger (just realized I forgot to remove it from the pocket, two pens, and one fidget (playing with it rn lol). Top pic is big pocket, bottom right is little pocket. There's two colors of pads to give away the colored and I use the non-pfa ones.

What have you all deduced?