faulty generalization

USAGE SUMMARY

"faulty generalization" is a correct term and can be used in written English.
It refers to making a broad statement or assumption without proper evidence or logical reasoning. Example: "Saying all teenagers are irresponsible is a faulty generalization. While some may exhibit irresponsible behavior, it is not fair to generalize and label all teenagers as such."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As Allport described it, "prejudice" was a superficial personality trait, rooted in the cognitive error of "faulty generalization".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Attempts to understand the phenomenology of vision from artificial stimuli, although worthwhile as a starting point, can lead to faulty generalizations about visual systems, because of the enormous complexity of natural images.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences

It is with this postulation one may begin to observe and note what type of communication lends to discord, which in turn, can lead to stereotyping and faulty generalizations about another.

Huffington Post

Allport's (1954 9) conceptualization that prejudice is 'an antipathy based on a faulty and inflexible generalization.

Pastoralism

Two new sophisms are included: one is imperfect enumeration, the error of overlooking an alternative, the other is a faulty (incomplete) induction, what we might call hasty generalization.

SEP

Though Mr. Simon demonstrates a clever knack in "Trash Culture" for finding parallels between classic texts and contemporary works of entertainment, he completely undercuts his thesis -- that "we are surrounded by stories that echo, repeat, revise and adapt the entire history of literature" -- by indulging in faulty logic, self-serving omissions and absurd generalizations.

The New York Times - Books

Cognitive biases are defined as "thinking patterns based on observations and generalizations that may lead to memory errors, inaccurate judgements, and faulty logic".

TechCrunch

A generalization?

The New Yorker

Faulty Towers?

The Economist

Was it faulty?

The New York Times

Intelligence is inherently faulty.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When identifying a "faulty generalization", provide specific evidence and reasoning to support your claim. Avoid simply stating that a generalization is faulty without explaining why.

Common error

Avoid using limited personal experiences to counter a "faulty generalization". While anecdotal evidence can be illustrative, it's not a substitute for systematic analysis and broader data.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "faulty generalization" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct term, used to describe a specific type of logical fallacy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "faulty generalization" is a noun phrase used to describe a logical fallacy where a conclusion is drawn from insufficient evidence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct, although relatively rare in usage. The phrase commonly appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, signaling its role in critical analysis. Alternatives include "fallacious generalization" or "hasty generalization". To effectively use the phrase, provide supporting evidence when identifying a "faulty generalization" and avoid relying on anecdotal evidence to counter it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fallacious generalization

Replaces "faulty" with "fallacious", emphasizing the deceptive nature of the generalization.

erroneous generalization

Substitutes "faulty" with "erroneous", highlighting the inaccuracy of the generalization.

invalid generalization

Uses "invalid" instead of "faulty", focusing on the lack of logical validity in the generalization.

unjustified generalization

Replaces "faulty" with "unjustified", indicating that the generalization lacks sufficient evidence or reason.

hasty generalization

Specifies the type of faulty generalization as one made too quickly or without enough information.

flawed generalization

Uses "flawed" instead of "faulty", emphasizing the presence of defects in the generalization.

defective generalization

Substitutes "faulty" with "defective", suggesting an inherent problem or imperfection in the generalization.

poorly supported generalization

Focuses on the lack of adequate support or evidence for the generalization.

weak generalization

Highlights the lack of strength or robustness in the generalization.

unfounded generalization

Replaces "faulty" with "unfounded", emphasizing the lack of a solid basis for the generalization.

FAQs

How can I identify a "faulty generalization"?

Look for statements that draw broad conclusions from limited evidence. Consider whether there are exceptions or counterexamples that the generalization fails to account for. Check if the source making the generalization has a bias or agenda.

What's the difference between a "faulty generalization" and a stereotype?

While both involve broad assumptions, a "faulty generalization" is a logical error based on insufficient data. A stereotype is a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing, often rooted in prejudice.

What are some alternatives to saying "faulty generalization"?

You can use alternatives like "fallacious generalization", "erroneous generalization", or "hasty generalization" depending on the specific context.

How does a "faulty generalization" affect arguments?

A "faulty generalization" weakens an argument by basing it on unreliable or insufficient evidence. It can lead to inaccurate conclusions and undermine the credibility of the overall argument.