GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A school principal argues that implementing a mandatory school uniform policy will reduce bullying and improve academic performance. The principal states, 'I've heard from several parents whose children attend schools with uniforms, and they all reported positive changes in student behavior and focus.' Which of the following best describes the flaw in the principal's reasoning?
- AAppeal to popularity
- BPost hoc ergo propter hoc
- CHasty generalization
- DAppeal to emotion
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Hasty generalization
The principal bases a broad conclusion about uniform policies on a very small, anecdotal sample ('several parents'). This is a hasty generalization, drawing a conclusion from insufficient evidence.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Appeal to popularity (ad populum) argues something is true because many people believe it.
- B. Post hoc ergo propter hoc (false cause) assumes that because one event followed another, the first caused the second.
- D. Appeal to emotion attempts to manipulate an emotional response in place of a valid argument.
Hasty Generalization
Hasty generalization is a logical fallacy where a conclusion is drawn from a sample that is too small or not representative enough to support a broad generalization.
- Insufficient evidence.
- Small or biased sample size.
- Leads to oversimplified conclusions.
Memory trick: Inductive leaps need solid proof, or fallacies take root.