Overgeneralization: meaning, definitions and examples
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overgeneralization
[ ˌoʊvərˌdʒɛnərələˈzeɪʃən ]
cognitive bias
Overgeneralization is a cognitive distortion where one draws broad conclusions based on a single incident or insufficient evidence. It often leads to misinterpretations and can contribute to anxiety and depression when individuals apply their experience to all future situations.
Synonyms
exaggeration, overextension, oversimplification
Examples of usage
- She tends to overgeneralize her past failures to her future abilities.
- His overgeneralization of the situation led to unnecessary worry.
- Overgeneralization can result in an inaccurate view of reality.
Etymology
The term 'overgeneralization' combines the prefix 'over-', indicating excess, with 'generalization', which originates from the Latin 'generalizatio', meaning 'to make general'. The concept has roots in both psychology and linguistics, emerging in the 20th century as psychologists sought to understand cognitive biases in human thought processes. In psychological contexts, overgeneralization is often discussed in relation to cognitive therapy, where patients learn to recognize and challenge these distorted patterns of thinking. The evolution of the term reflects broader changes in the understanding of human cognition, influenced by advances in behavioral science and the study of how language shapes thought.