Generaliserend

Generaliserend is a Dutch adjective that describes the act or tendency of making generalizations. It refers to drawing broad conclusions or applying specific observations to a wider group or situation. This process involves identifying common patterns or characteristics and then extending them beyond the original context. For example, if someone observes that several students in a particular class struggle with a specific math concept, they might be generalising when they conclude that the entire class finds that concept difficult.

Generalising can be a useful cognitive tool for simplifying complex information and making predictions. It allows us to form mental models and navigate the world more efficiently by categorizing and understanding new experiences based on existing knowledge. However, generalising can also lead to oversimplification, stereotyping, and inaccurate judgments. When generalizations are made without sufficient evidence or with biased observations, they can result in unfair or incorrect assumptions about individuals or groups. The validity of a generalization often depends on the scope and representativeness of the original observations.