Ecological Fallacy

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˌɛkəˈlɑdʒɪkəl ˈfæləsi/

Definitions of ecological fallacy

noun a logical fallacy in which an inference is made about an individual based on aggregate data for a group

Example Sentences

A1 The ecological fallacy occurs when conclusions about individuals are based on group-level data.

A2 In statistics, it is important to be aware of the ecological fallacy and avoid making incorrect assumptions.

B1 Researchers must be cautious of committing the ecological fallacy when interpreting data from different population groups.

B2 Understanding the ecological fallacy is crucial for conducting accurate and reliable research in social sciences.

C1 Sophisticated statistical techniques can help mitigate the effects of the ecological fallacy in complex data analysis.

C2 Experts in the field of epidemiology are well-versed in identifying and addressing the ecological fallacy in research studies.

Examples of ecological fallacy in a Sentence

formal The researcher warned against committing the ecological fallacy by making assumptions about individuals based on group-level data.

informal Don't jump to conclusions about people just because of where they live - that's the ecological fallacy!

slang Assuming everyone in a certain area is the same is like totally falling for the ecological fallacy.

figurative Judging a book by its cover is a classic example of the ecological fallacy in action.

Grammatical Forms of ecological fallacy

past tense

committed

plural

ecological fallacies

comparative

more ecological fallacious

superlative

most ecological fallacious

present tense

commits

future tense

will commit

perfect tense

have committed

continuous tense

is committing

singular

ecological fallacy

positive degree

ecological fallacy

infinitive

to commit

gerund

committing

participle

committed

Origin and Evolution of ecological fallacy

First Known Use: 1950 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'ecological fallacy' was coined by sociologist Robinson in his 1950 book 'Ecological Correlations and the Behavior of Individuals'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the field of sociology, the term 'ecological fallacy' has since been adopted in various disciplines such as epidemiology, statistics, and public health to refer to the misinterpretation of group-level data to make inferences about individuals within that group.