Hasty Generalization
Spot the Fallacy Team
Team Content
A hasty generalization draws a broad conclusion from too little or unrepresentative evidence.
A hasty generalization draws a broad conclusion from too little or unrepresentative evidence.
Why it is a fallacy
A claim needs evidence that connects the reasons to the conclusion. This fallacy skips that connection or replaces it with a shortcut.
Examples
- I met two rude people from that city, so everyone there is rude.
- This app crashed once, so it's unreliable.
- I failed a test, so I'm bad at this subject.
How to respond
- Ask for a larger, more representative sample.
- Point out that a few examples are not enough.
- Request data that reflects the whole group.
Related fallacies
FAQ
Why do we make hasty generalizations?
The brain uses shortcuts and patterns, especially under pressure.
How do I counter it?
Ask for broader evidence and consider exceptions.
References
- Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fallacies)
- Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Logic and Critical Thinking)
- Nizkor Project (Fallacies)