Generalization is the act of making a statement that applies to a group as a whole. There are a number of synonyms that can be used in place of generalization, including abstraction, universalization, overgeneralization, and oversimplification. Abstraction is the process of removing specific details from a concept or idea in order to convey its core essence. Universalization is the tendency to take an individual experience and apply it to everyone in a similar situation. Overgeneralization is when a statement is made that applies to everyone, regardless of individual differences. Oversimplification is the practice of reducing complex ideas or concepts to a single, easy-to-understand statement.