Hasty generalization — English definition
Drawing a broad conclusion from too few or unrepresentative examples.
Where it is taught
- Logical Fallacies — Argument, Rhetoric & Tragic Choices, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
In use
A fifth fallacy jumps to a conclusion on far too little: the hasty generalization.
Logical Fallacies
Questions using hasty generalization
Problem 1
Write one sentence that commits a HASTY GENERALIZATION, then explain in one sentence why the reasoning is flawed.
Answer and explanation
Answers vary; look for a broad conclusion drawn from too few examples, plus an explanation — for example: 'The first two sci-fi movies I saw were boring, so the whole genre must be boring' is a hasty generalization because two films are far too small a sample to judge an entire genre.