Generalizations vs. Realizations

The three main aspects when studying science is observation, generalization and explanation. We question something when we observe, it's just common sense. 

Generalization is defined as "a general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases".

Realization is defined as "an act of becoming fully aware of something as a fact".

So in simple terms, a generalization is an inference or a guess about a particular topic and a realization is when you completely understand something as a fact and do not doubt it. 

Why is this important? 

Very simply, we must make generalizations to reach realizations. 
This cannot be more true in science. Look at the scientific method. The first step is to make a generalization, a hypothesis is a generalization! Then when you reach the end of the experiment, what do you do? You come to a realization, a conclusion, based on data and information collected that proves or disproves your first generalization, hypothesis.