overgeneralize
Overgeneralize refers to the act of applying a rule beyond its appropriate scope. In linguistics and everyday reasoning, it describes extending patterns learned from limited data to cases where they do not apply. The result is a broader, incorrect generalization that can affect language, thought, and behavior.
In language, overgeneralization is common during child language development and can also appear in adult speech.
Beyond language, overgeneralization describes a cognitive bias where people draw sweeping conclusions from limited observations. Early
Causes and consequences vary by domain. In development, overgeneralization is a normal, often temporary phase signaling
See also: rule-based learning, hypothesis testing, language acquisition.