1. Hasty Generalization
By: Maddie Blackford

2. Definition
A “hasty generalization" is a broad claim based on too-limited evidence.

3. Examples
“Even though it’s only the first day, I can tell this is going to be a boring course.”

4. Example I Hasty Generalization Mrs. Putnam
Mrs. Putnam.“She ails as she must-she never waked this morning, but her eyes open and she walks, and hears naught, sees naught, and cannot eat. Her soul is taken surely.”(ACT One p. 172)
Mrs. Putnam concludes that since her daughter is behaving unusually, her soul must have been taken.

5. Example II Hasty Generalization Hale and Francis
Hale. “How is Rebecca charged, Mr. Nurse?”
Francis. (with a mocking laugh, half-hearted laugh). For murder, she’s charged! (Mockingly quoting the warrant) “For the marvelous and supernatural murder of Goody Putnam’s babies.” What am I to do Mr. Hale? (Act Two p. 201)
IV. The characters conclude that if Rebecca is practicing witchcraft, she must be responsible for the death of Goody Putnam’s babies.

6. Sources
Marie, Ali. "Logic Me This: Hasty Generalization." Teenskepchick.org. Teen Skepchick, 13 June Web. 12 Mar
Nordquist, Richard. "Hasty Generalization (Logical Fallacy)."  About Education. Web. 12 Mar
Weber, Ryan. "Logical Fallacies."  Online Writing Lab, 11 Mar Web. 12 Mar
Miller, Arthur. “The Crucible.”The Language of Literature 11. Dallas: McDougal Littell, 2000.