Which describes a hasty generalization?

• A. A well-supported argument drawn from a large sample.
• B. A detailed case analysis.
• C. A faulty argument based on incomplete or unrepresentative information.
• D. A rigorous systematic review.

Answer: (C)

A hasty generalization happens when you draw a broad conclusion from too little or unrepresentative evidence. The description that says a faulty argument based on incomplete or unrepresentative information matches this flaw exactly, because it shows leaping to a wide claim without enough data to support it.

Think of it as assuming something about all members of a group based on only a small or atypical sample. In contrast, a well-supported argument drawn from a large sample relies on enough data to justify the generalization, a detailed case analysis looks at individual cases in depth, and a rigorous systematic review synthesizes many studies to reduce bias. The hasty generalization description captures that premature leap from limited information to a sweeping conclusion.