SH1635

Making Generalization and Inference

I. Generalization
· It is defined as a broad statement or an idea that applies to a group of people or things.
Oftentimes, generalizations are not entirely true because there may be examples of
individuals or situations wherein the generalization does not apply.
· It is a broad statement about what a group of people or things have in common.
A. Clue words to help find generalizations
§ all, none, most, many, always, everyone, never, sometimes, some, usually, seldom,
few, generally, in general, and overall
§ Be careful when using these words because they generally show bad
generalizations and it is usually a faulty generalization.
B. Good and Bad Generalizations
§ You could say: “Most people in the United States greet each other with a
handshake.” That’s because the handshake is a customary greeting in America and
it is supported by fact.
§ You shout NOT say: “All people in the United States greet each other with a
handshake.” Saying “ALL” means everybody and that is unlikely to be true.
§ Valid generalization - a statement that is true, supported by facts, uses logic and
reasoning and proven with several examples.
§ Faulty generalization - a statement poorly supported by facts, usually contain the
keywords: all, no, none, everyone, nobody, always, never, and proven false if there
is just a single exception. Experience and logic tell us that it cannot be true.
C. Examples of Generalizations
§ It is never a good idea to drink coffee after noontime.
§ Cooking isn’t difficult; all you need are the right ingredients.
§ The customer is always right.
§ Many children eat cereal for breakfast.
D. Checklist in analyzing the validity of a generalization
§ Is it supported by several facts and examples from experiences?
§ How did the facts and examples from experiences support the generalization?
§ Is it applicable to all the people/object involved in the statement?
§ Does it use logic and reasoning? How did use logic and reasoning in making
generalizations?
II. Inference
· the act or process of reaching a conclusion about something from known facts or evidence
· a conclusion or opinion formed because of known facts or evidence
· this refers to the things that we figure out based on an experience
When do we infer?
1. We engage in inference every day. We interpret actions to be examples of behavior
characteristics, intents, or expressions of particular feelings.
2. We infer it is raining when we see someone with an open umbrella.
3. We infer people are thirsty if they ask for a glass of water.
4. We infer that evidence in a text is authoritative when it is attributed to a scholar in the field.

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5. We want to find significance. We listen to remarks and want to make sense of them. What
might the speaker mean? Why is he or she saying that? We go beyond specific remarks to
the underlying significance or broader meaning. We seek purposes and reasons.
References:
Examples of generalization. (n.d.). Retrieved on July 8, 2016 from http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-generalization.html
Inference. (n.d.). Retrieved on July 8, 2016 from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inference
Kurland, D. (2000). Inference: The Process. Retrieved on July 11, 2016 from http://www.criticalreading.com/inference_process.htm
What is a generalization? (n.d.). Retrieved on July 8, 2016 from http://mrswarnerarlington.weebly.com/making-generalizations.html

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