What logical fallacy is present when a specific example is generalized to represent a larger trend without sufficient basis?

The presence of the logical fallacy known as "Selected Instances" occurs when a specific example is taken and used to draw a broader conclusion without adequate justification. This fallacy involves cherry-picking a particular incident or observation and assuming that it reflects general trends or outcomes, leading to a misleading representation of reality.

For instance, if someone sees a news story about a few successful individuals from a particular background and claims that everyone from that background is likely to succeed, they are committing the "Selected Instances" fallacy. They are drawing from an extraordinary or limited set of data points, which does not accurately represent the whole population.

This fallacy highlights the importance of using a representative sample when making generalizations, as relying on isolated examples can skew perception and lead to incorrect conclusions about larger groups or trends. Understanding and identifying this fallacy is crucial for critical thinking and for assessing arguments effectively.