generalization
1 of 1noun/ˌʤɛnərələˈzeɪʃən/
Forms:generalizations
1
reasoning from detailed facts to general principles
2
an idea or conclusion having general application
Synonyms:
3
the process of creating broad or universal principles by identifying common characteristics or patterns among specific instances
- In psychology, researchers use generalization to formulate theories about human behavior based on observations of individual subjects.
- Historians make generalizations about historical events by identifying recurring themes and patterns across different time periods.
- Teachers encourage students to avoid generalization in their arguments by providing specific examples and evidence.
- The media's generalization of a certain community can perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions.
- In mathematics, generalization involves extending a theorem or concept to a broader set of conditions or variables.
Synonyms:
4
(psychology) the tendency to show an identical response to similar but distinct stimuli