overgeneralizes

Overgeneralizes refers to the tendency to draw broad conclusions from limited evidence, applying a rule or pattern beyond its warranted scope. It involves treating a single instance or a small set of data as representative of a larger group or a wide range of situations.

In psychology, overgeneralization is considered a cognitive distortion or bias. It often contributes to negative thinking and can be more common in mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, where an adverse experience leads to beliefs about ongoing trends or personal worth.

In language and logic, overgeneralization can occur when a rule or pattern is applied too broadly. It is related to, but distinct from, formal fallacies such as hasty generalization or sweeping generalization, which claim broad conclusions from insufficient evidence.

Examples include statements like, “I failed one test, so I will fail all future tests,” or “I met one rude person, therefore everyone on that street is rude.” Such conclusions overlook variability and context, and they can reinforce stereotypes or biased thinking.

Consequences of overgeneralization include biased beliefs, stereotyping, and poor decision-making. It can hinder learning and social interactions by producing unwarranted certainty about groups, situations, or outcomes.

Mitigation involves seeking additional evidence, testing predictions, and considering counterexamples. Cognitive-behavioral strategies focus on identifying overgeneralized thoughts, evaluating their accuracy, and reframing them with more balanced conclusions.