What reasoning error is demonstrated when a generalization is made about a group based on insufficient data?

The reasoning error identified involves making a broad conclusion about a group without having adequate evidence or data to support that conclusion. This is known as a hasty generalization. It occurs when someone jumps to conclusions based on a small sample size or isolated incidents, leading to an unverified assumption about a larger population.

For instance, if someone meets a few individuals from a certain city and concludes that everyone from that city shares the same negative trait, they are committing a hasty generalization because they haven't considered the full diversity of perspectives and experiences among that larger group. This reasoning error undermines logical reasoning as it does not rely on sufficient evidence, making it a common fallacy in argumentation and discussion.

In contrast, other terms like composition refer to the error of attributing characteristics of parts to the whole group, while post hoc reasoning deals with falsely claiming causation based solely on the order of events. Notably, the option of "no technique" would imply an absence of any specific fallacy, which does not apply here given the context of the reasoning error in question.