Generalization
Generalization is the transfer of a reaction, conclusion or pattern from one situation to other, similar situations.
Definition
Generalization is a natural learning mechanism: it helps to use previous experiences in new conditions. Thanks to it, you don't have to learn everything from scratch. The problem arises when a single experience is expanded too broadly, e.g. one failure becomes proof that "it always fails."
Key ideas
- Uczenie się przez przeniesienie
- Oszczędność poznawcza
- Ryzyko nadmiernego uogólnienia
Practice and life
When a thought like "always" or "never" comes up, write down three specific exceptions or pieces of evidence that narrow the generalization.
Common misunderstanding
It is a mistake to treat one event as the law of life. The second mistake is to completely reject generalization, although it can be useful in learning.
Questions for self-reflection
- Czy to wniosek z wielu danych, czy z jednego zdarzenia?
- Gdzie ta zasada działa, a gdzie już nie?
- Jak mogę zawęzić wniosek, żeby był bardziej prawdziwy?