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The concept of overgeneralization refers to the logical fallacy where a claim is made that is excessively broad and lacks foundation, making it impossible to verify or falsify through evidence. This fallacy often arises when conclusions are drawn from limited examples or experiences and are then incorrectly applied to all situations or groups.

For instance, if someone claims that "all teenagers are irresponsible" based on a handful of encounters with a few individuals, they are engaging in overgeneralization. The claim extends beyond what the few examples could reasonably support, leading to a sweeping assertion that cannot be thoroughly tested or proven accurate.

This differs from hasty generalization, which usually involves drawing conclusions from a small sample size without sufficient evidence, and from circular arguments or false dichotomies, which involve other types of flawed reasoning not specifically related to the broadness of the claim itself. Overgeneralization directly addresses the issue of taking a partial truth or observation and applying it too widely, resulting in a statement that cannot be adequately challenged or substantiated.