Which term best describes a broad conclusion based on limited examples?

The term that best describes a broad conclusion based on limited examples is "generalization." Generalization involves taking specific instances or observations and applying them to a larger context, which can sometimes lead to conclusions that may not accurately reflect the broader situation. This process often relies on inference and can be seen in everyday reasoning or scientific reasoning when certain patterns are identified and extrapolated.

For instance, if someone notices that all the dogs they’ve encountered are friendly, they might generalize that all dogs are friendly, despite not having interacted with every dog. While generalizations can be useful in making predictions or forming opinions, it’s important to recognize that they may not hold true in every situation due to the limited nature of the examples considered. This characteristic distinguishes generalization from other terms like observation, which refers to noticing events or behaviors without inferring beyond them, and hypothesis, which is a testable statement or prediction based on evidence, often requiring further investigation. A statement, on the other hand, lacks the specific connotation of drawing broader conclusions.