Generalizing is when we make a claim about a group or population to generalize an argument. The chapter is about how to correctly use generalizations and how to identify when they are used incorrectly. On page 289 there is a box titled “Premises need for a good generalization”:- The sample is representative
- The sample is big enough
- The sample is studied well
Basically, for a generalization to be good, the sample has to represent a good amount of the population being generalized about with enough data to support the generalization.There should also be a small margin of error for the population sample (about +/-2%) and a larger confidence level for the population sample (about +/-95%). Both give strength to the generalization given and have more reason for it to be accepted.Variation is also important in a population. If the number of people who own motorcycles is being tested for the state of California, the sample should be testing a more or less equal amount of men and women.
My favorite thing about this class was the group assignments. The group assignments related well to the readings and lectures. We could use what we discussed in our blogs and apply them to what we were writing about. It also helped identified the most common arguments used in the real world: fallacies. I did not realize how much we were learning in class could be applied to organizations and group communication. The things we learned in class could also be applied to what we discussed in groups. For the second assignment especially, our group had a disagreement over which organization to focus on and we argued about it back and forth until coming to a decision. I also got to know my group members better. Because this class was online they were the few people in class I could connect a face to a blog to. We were able to discuss the class and assist each other. Communication is the focus of this class and that is exactly what we did in our groups.
There are many things I have learned in the last few months. This class is titled Critical Decision Making and I think I have learned the basics of how to make any decision. First and foremost, I learned the many types of arguments on can make. Whether it is arguing to get a certain brand or if it were more serious in regards to business decisions. I now know how to effectively listen and decide.Second, I have learned how to counter-argue. Because I have learned the types of arguments and parts of arguments one can use to argue I can effectively counter-argue if I chose to do. If I am agreeing or disagreeing with an argument I am able to look at both sides of the argument better now I believe. Third, I have learned how to work in groups. The three projects/essays assigned were completed in groups. In our group we were able to designate jobs and break down the assignment. By breaking down the assignment we could figure out when to do what and create deadlines and meeting times to complete the assignment. I think that is why our group did so well together we knew when to help each other out.
