The document discusses generalizations and how to identify valid versus faulty generalizations. It provides examples of broad statements about groups and evaluates whether they are supported by facts or examples. The document emphasizes that valid generalizations are supported by evidence from multiple cases and use qualifiers like "often" or "usually" rather than absolute terms like "all" or "never." Readers are encouraged to look for logical reasoning and real-world consistency in evaluating the strength of generalizations.

1. By: Harry Lester Galicia

2.  A broad statement
about a group of
people or things.
 It states something
they have in
common.

3.  Faulty means false.
Not supported by
facts
Watch for the key
words: none, all,
always, never,
everyone, nobody
“I don’t like peppers.
They’re all hot!”

4.  What is wrong with this generalization?
 How could you make it a valid
generalization?

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.

7.  Sometimes
 Always
 Never
 Most
 Many
 All
 Generally

8.  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. 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.

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.

12.  All cocker
spaniels make
perfect pets.

13. • 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.  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.