3. What is a generalization?
A generalization is a
broad statement about
a group of people or
things.
It states something
they have in common.
4. What is a generalization?
Universal proposition
based on particular
facts, are called
Generalization.
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
Valid means true.
Supported by facts
Agrees with what you already know about the topic
Uses logic and reasoning
Proven with several examples
9. universal and statistical
generalizations
Universal generalization:Universal generalization: claims that all members of a group have
certain attributes or characteristics
Asians are good at math.
Feminists hate men.
Republicans favor tax cuts, Democrats oppose tax cuts.
Statistical generalization:Statistical generalization: claims that a percentage or a portion of a
group has a certain attribute or property.
76% of felons are recidivists
1 out of 3 children in the U.S. is born out of wedlock
19 of the 21 hijackers on Sept. 11 were Saudi Arabians.
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
Most serial killers are male
The majority of journalists are Democrats
10. inductive and deductive
generalizations
Two types of generalizations: inductive and deductive
Inductive GeneralizationInductive Generalization:: bases a larger
inference on an example, sample, or particular instance
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)
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.
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??
