Final answer:
The act of drawing a conclusion from inadequate evidence like misinterpreting someone's frown is an example of an arbitrary inference, which is a type of cognitive distortion where conclusions are made without sufficient evidence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drawing a conclusion on the basis of inadequate evidence, such as misinterpreting a frown on the face of a passerby to mean that the passerby is expressing disapproval, is known as an example of arbitrary inference. This cognitive distortion involves making a conclusion without sufficient evidence to support it. Arbitrary inference is one type of cognitive error or bias that can lead to incorrect assumptions and, consequently, can cause issues in social interactions and personal decision-making.
It's important to consider alternative explanations and to not jump to conclusions without adequate evidence, similar to how a doctor considers different diagnoses before determining the most likely one. Jumping to conclusions can lead to misunderstanding in various aspects of life. When making inferences, it should be based on reasoned thinking and not merely on an emotional reaction.
A hasty generalization is another related fallacy that occurs when conclusions are drawn from an inadequate amount of evidence. In both cases, critical thinking and the assessment of more evidence are crucial to avoid erroneous conclusions.