This document discusses generalizations and how to identify valid versus faulty generalizations. It defines a generalization as a broad statement about a group that states something they have in common. Faulty generalizations are not supported by facts and use absolute words like "all" or "never." Valid generalizations are supported by facts, examples, and logical thinking. The document provides examples of both valid and faulty generalizations and encourages analyzing whether a generalization is truly representative of an entire group.
2. WHAT IS A GENERALIZATION?
• A broad statement
about a group of people
or things.
• It states something they
have in common.
3. “FAULTY”
GENERALIZATIONS
• Faulty means false.
–Not supported by
facts
–Watch for the key
“I don’t like peppers.
words: none, all,
They’re all hot!”
always, never,
everyone, nobody
5. “A friend of mine got food
poisoning from MacDonald's
last week. I'm never going
there again!”
6. Fords
Ford is an American-made car.
I owned a Ford, and it broke down all the time.
A car that breaks down all the time is not very
good.
American-made cars are not very good.
8. “VALID” GENERALIZATIONS
• Valid means true.
– Supported by facts
– Agrees with what you
already know about
the topic
– Uses logic and
common sense
– Proven with several
examples
9. READ THE FOLLOWING PASSAGE:
Ginger is one of my best friends.
When I enter my home, she races to
greet me with kisses and excited
leaps. She acts like it’s been eight
days since she’s seen me, instead of
the actual eight hours. Her coat is
honey brown; her eyes are large and
loving.
10.
11. She’s a six- month old cocker
spaniel puppy, a breed originally
intended to hunt birds in England.
Her faithful companionship
comforts me when I’m sad or sick.
Her playfulness makes me laugh
when she races after a toy I’ve
tossed. All cocker spaniels make
perfect pets.
13. ALL COCKER SPANIELS MAKE PERFECT
PETS.
• Is this a valid generalization?
• Does the author:
– Use facts to support the idea?
– Share past experiences to
support the idea?
– Provide several examples?
– Use logical thinking?
14. REMEMBER:
• Generalizations make broad
statements about a group.
• Some a valid, others are faulty.
• Valid generalizations are
supported by facts, examples,
and logical thinking.
• Watch out for words like all or
never.
Editor's Notes
Birds have feathers.
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??
