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When does an argument use a generic example?

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Abstract

We offer criteria that an observer can use to determine whether an argument that uses an example to argue for a general claim appeals to that example generically. We review existing literature on generic example and note the strengths of each contribution, as well as inconsistencies among uses of the term. We offer several examples from the literature and our own data to develop and illustrate criteria for assessing whether an example is used generically.

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Notes

  1. A subset S of ℝ is bounded above when there exists b ∈ ℝ such that x ≤ b for all x ∈ S.

  2. Argument B becomes accessible when students have studied lines cut by a transversal and the angles created. In the USA, this content is typically covered in grade 8 among 13-year-old students (NGACBP & CCSSO, 2010).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Idaho, 313 Brink Hall, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA

    David A. Yopp

  2. University of Idaho, 314 Brink Hall, Moscow, ID, 83844, USA

    Rob Ely

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  1. David A. Yopp
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  2. Rob Ely
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Correspondence to David A. Yopp.

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Yopp, D.A., Ely, R. When does an argument use a generic example?. Educ Stud Math 91, 37–53 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-015-9633-z

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