Generalization and types
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A generalization is a broad statement about a group that identifies something they have in common. There are different types of generalizations, including scientific and empirical generalizations which are based on evidence of causal connections or experience, respectively. Generalizations can also be valid if supported by facts, or faulty if not supported. Additionally, generalizations may be universal and claim all members of a group share attributes, or statistical and claim a percentage do. Generalizations can also be inductive, basing broader inferences on examples, or deductive, proceeding from general rules to specific cases.
Generalization and types
- 3. What is a generalization? ď‚—A generalization is a broad statement about a group of people or things. ď‚—It states something they have in common.
- 4. What is a generalization? ď‚—Universal proposition based on particular facts, are called Generalization. ď‚—Example: All crows are black.
- 5. Generalization Types: Scientific Generalization Scientific generalization is based on the evidence of causal connection is called scientific generalization. Example: All crows are black is based on causal connection between crowness and blackness. Empirical Generalization Empirical Generalization is based on the evidence of experience. Example: All red mangoes are sweet.
- 7. Valid Generalizations ď‚—Valid means true. ď‚—Supported by facts ď‚—Agrees with what you already know about the topic ď‚—Uses logic and reasoning ď‚—Proven with several examples
- 8. Faulty Generalizations ď‚—Faulty means false. ď‚—Not supported by facts ď‚—Watch for the key words: none, all, always, never, everyone, nobody
- 9. universal and statistical generalizations ď‚— Universal generalization:Universal generalization: claims that all members of a group have certain attributes or characteristics ď‚— Asians are good at math. Feminists hate men. ď‚— Republicans favor tax cuts, Democrats oppose tax cuts. ď‚— Statistical generalization:Statistical generalization: claims that a percentage or a portion of a group has a certain attribute or property. ď‚— 76% of felons are recidivists ď‚— 1 out of 3 children in the U.S. is born out of wedlock ď‚— 19 of the 21 hijackers on Sept. 11 were Saudi Arabians. ď‚—Contingent generalization: based on conditions or qualifications that must be met for the generalization to hold true. Generalizations are more likely to hold true if they are confined to specific times, places, or situations ď‚— Most serial killers are male ď‚— The majority of journalists are Democrats
- 10. inductive and deductive generalizations ď‚— Two types of generalizations: inductive and deductive ď‚—Inductive GeneralizationInductive Generalization:: bases a larger inference on an example, sample, or particular instance ď‚— example: Babbs bought a Saturn and it runs well. Biff bought a Saturn and it runs well. I guess Saturns are reliable cars. (the generalization is based on a nonrandom sample of 3 cars) ď‚— example: Of the 19 hijackers on Sept. 11, 15 were Saudis. I think we can safely conclude that Saudi Arabia is a breeding ground for terrorists.
- 11. inductive and deductive generalizations Deductive GeneralizationDeductive Generalization:: proceeds from a general rule or general principle to a specific case  example: Brazilians love soccer. Hector is from Brazil, so he probably loves soccer too.  example: Don’t give money to that vagrant. They are all winos and drug addicts.  example: Biff is a Republican, so of course he’ll be opposed to gun control.
Editor's Notes
- #4: Birds have feathers.
- #7: The key words change the meaning of the generalization. Some flowers have petals. Flowers always have petals. Flowers never have petals. Most flowers have petals. Many flowers have petals. All flowers have petals. Flowers generally have petals. You have to be VERY careful if you use the word never. Does it NEVER happen?? Is it remotely possible?? Likewise you have to be careful with the words always and all. They include the whole group. Does it ALWAYS happen??