This document defines and provides examples of different types of generalizations: Scientific and empirical generalizations are based on evidence and observations, while valid generalizations are supported by facts and logic. Faulty and universal generalizations overgeneralize and may not apply to all cases. Contingent generalizations are more likely to be true if limited to specific contexts, while inductive generalizations infer broader patterns from examples and deductive generalizations apply general rules to specific cases.

1. MAKING
GENERALIZATION
Types of Generalization

2. GENERALIZATION
Is a broad statement about a
group of people or things.
It states something they have
in common.

3. EXAMPLES:
•“Most people in the United States
greet each other with a handshake.”
•Men are cheaters.
•Women are vulnerable.

4. TYPES OF GENERALIZATION
Scientific Generalization
Empirical Generalization
Valid Generalization
Faulty Generalization
Universal Generalization
Contingent Generalization
Inductive Generalization
Deductive Generalization

5. SCIENTIFIC GENERALIZATION
•Is based on the evidence
of causal connection
Example: All crows are
black.

6. EMPIRICAL GENERALIZATION
•Is based on the evidence
of experience.

7. Example
All red mangoes are sweet.
Nurses who earn high
salaries have scored high
level of job satisfaction.

8. VALID GENERALIZATION
•Valid means true.
•Supported by facts.
•Agrees with what you already know about the
topic.
•Uses logic and reasoning.

9. EXAMPLES:
•All birds have wings.
•Some people like to have chocolate
as their favorite dessert.
•Many people wear glasses.

10. FAULTY GENERALIZATION
•Faulty means false.
•Not supported by facts.

11. EXAMPLES:
•All birds can fly.
•Chocolates is everyone’s favorite
dessert.
•Everybody loves popcorn.
•Only teachers wear glasses.

12. UNIVERSAL GENERALIZATION
• Claims that all members of a group have certain
attributes or characteristics.
Examples:
Asians are good at math.
Feminists hate men.

13. CONTINGENT GENERALIZATION
• Based on conditions or qualifications that must be
met for the generalization to hold true. More likely
to hold true if they are confined to specific times,
places, or situations.
Example: Most serial killers are male.

14. INDUCTIVE GENERALIZATION
•Bases a larger inference on an example,
sample, or particular instance.
Example: John bought a ford and it runs
runs well. Jake bought a ford and it runs
well.

15. DEDUCTIVE GENERALIZATION
• Proceeds from a general rule or general principle to a specific
case.
Examples:
Brazilians love soccer. Hector is from Brazil, so he probably loves
soccer too.
Don’t give money to that vagrant.They are all winos and drug
addicts.