What is generalization and inference.
http://www.answers.com/topic/generalization
See definition 2. Here are some examples:
Teenagers are careless drivers. (implying that ALL teenagers are)
Everyone loves barbequed fish. (stating that everyone does!)
http://www.answers.com/topic/inference
Do you see the difference between inference and generalizing?
Generalization and inference are two related concepts that involve making conclusions or predictions based on available information.
Generalization refers to the process of drawing a broad conclusion or statement about a group or a category based on a smaller set of observations or examples. It involves making assumptions or applying patterns learned from specific instances to a larger population or broader context. For example, if you observe that all the cats you have encountered are furry, you may generalize that all cats are furry. However, it is important to note that generalizations are not always accurate and can lead to stereotypes or faulty assumptions if done without careful consideration of all the relevant information.
Inference, on the other hand, is the process of reaching a logical or reasonable conclusion based on evidence or reasoning. It involves making educated guesses or interpretations about something that is not explicitly stated. Inference relies on existing knowledge, patterns, and context to make sense of new information. It may involve making connections, drawing logical deductions, or filling in missing pieces of information. For example, if you read a passage that says, "Jack grabbed an umbrella and ran out of the house," you can infer that it was probably raining outside. Inferences can be both explicit (clearly stated) or implicit (implied but not directly mentioned), and they play a crucial role in understanding and interpreting communication, texts, and situations.
Generalization and inference are key concepts in reasoning and logic. Broadly speaking, generalization involves deriving general conclusions or rules from specific instances or examples, while inference involves drawing logical conclusions based on available information or evidence.
Generalization is the process of formulating a general statement or rule based on specific instances or observations. It allows us to extend our knowledge beyond individual examples and make predictions about similar situations in the future. For example, if we have observed that all cats we have encountered have fur, we can generalize by stating that all cats have fur.
To understand how to make a generalization, you need to gather data or observations about a particular phenomenon or category. This data should be representative and include a variety of examples. By analyzing and identifying commonalities or patterns among the instances, you can derive a general conclusion or rule.
Inference, on the other hand, involves drawing logical conclusions or making educated guesses based on available information or evidence. It is the process of using reasoning and existing knowledge to reach a conclusion that is not explicitly stated or known. Inferences can be made by considering the relationships between different pieces of information, filling in gaps, and making logical connections.
To make an inference, you need to analyze the available information and draw logical inferences based on that information. This can involve considering cause and effect relationships, recognizing patterns, applying prior knowledge, or examining context. Inferences can help us make sense of incomplete or ambiguous information and can be useful in problem-solving and decision-making.
In summary, generalization involves deriving general conclusions or rules based on specific instances, while inference involves drawing logical conclusions or making educated guesses based on available information or evidence. Both concepts are fundamental in reasoning and understanding the world around us.