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

Missing key ideas.

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

No questions for self-reflection.

Sources

No sources.