Generalization is the process of forming broad conclusions based on specific examples or observations. It allows individuals to apply knowledge gained from particular instances to similar situations, making it easier to understand and predict outcomes. For example, if a person notices that birds can fly, they might generalize that all birds have the ability to fly, even though some, like ostriches, cannot. In scientific research, generalization helps in developing theories and models. Researchers often conduct studies on a small sample and then generalize the findings to a larger population. This approach is essential in fields like psychology and sociology, where understanding human behavior often relies on generalizing from specific cases.