A
generalization (or
generalisation) is a
concept in the
inductive sense of that word, or an extension of the concept to less-specific criteria. Generalizations posit the existence of a domain or
set of elements, as well as one or more common characteristics shared by those elements (thus creating a
conceptual model). As such, they are the essential basis of all valid
deductive inferences. The process of
verification is necessary to determine whether a generalization holds true for any given situation.