generalization vs. claim

[melissa27]

On the LSAT, what is the difference between the terms "generalization" and "claim."

I have encountered a number of problems, mainly Method of Reasoning questions, that will have answer choices differ with these two terms. For the most part, I will choose the correct answer based on the information included with the terms and by process of elimination, but I would like to have the confidence knowing what exactly is the difference between the two terms on the test.

Is it that a claim is a matter of fact, and a generalization is a broad...matter of fact?

[Jon Denning]

Hey Melissa - I think in part it's contextual ("claim" and "generalization" can both be used to mean various things that depend in part on the specific context), but more generally I'd say that a claim is used in one of two ways: it's typically either a premise ("scientists claim..."), or it's in the question stem and references an assumption (“the author would agree with which of the following claims?”). In Method if you see it in an answer choice it would need to be referring to something specifically stated in the stimulus (some statement made). “Generalization” is a little tougher because, as you mention, it is in fact very general. So it could be some broad extrapolation from a specific idea or instance, it could be a flaw (it’s actually a flaw category: drawing a conclusion/generalization that is not fully supported by the facts given)….really it could be just about anything where an idea is expanded to something broader or less specific.

Perhaps the best thing to do would be to post a specific example the next time you come across one. Then we can break it down in the context of the question itself. Thanks!

[manchas]

Hi Jon - In addition to referring to a premise or an assumption as you stated, a "claim" can also refer to a conclusion - is that correct? As in this example I just came across from the correct answer to question 21, section 4, from the Dec 2011 test(65):

E. it is a claim that he attempts to justify by appeal to the requirements for establishing the existence of etc...

So when it comes to interpreting this word, it appears that context really does matter and one can't reflexively make any assumptions...is that right?

Thanks in advance.

[Jon Denning]

Hey manchas,

Thanks for the question, and welcome to the Forum!

"Claim" can definitely mean "conclusion"! In fact, in the second instance I mention—the author would agree with which one of the following claims—that is likely talking about a conclusion with which the author would agree (or to which the author would arrive). My point was that it's generally more explicit (actually stated) than a generalization, which is more abstract and may not be given outright.

But to your question about usage: you're absolutely correct that it's almost entirely contextual. And that becomes especially important on a test where the people who write it know that test takers love to make assumptions or presume that a word will always mean the same thing, regardless of specific usage, and will then attempt to abuse those presumptuous test takers as a result.

Smart test takers are aware of the common words and how they're typically used, but they adapt to the situation and context so that they're never victims of their own assumptions. It sounds like that's exactly how you're approaching it, so well done and keep it up!

Jon