BY: JINAH, KAISHI, SHIVANGI Is it possible to generalize from Qualitative Studies?

What does generalizing entail? Being able to generalize findings means that the results of a study are relevant outside the context of that particular study Normally, scientists want their findings to apply to people than just those who participated in that study

How relevant is generalization? Some qualitative researchers do not find it relative Others argue that it is important that results of a study can be generalized  Lewis and Ritchie (2003) – distinguished between three forms of generalization of qualitative data  Representational generalization  Inferential generalization  Theoretical generalizatoin

Representational Generalization The findings from qualitative research studies can be applied to populations outside the population of the study. Qualitative research normally involves small samples that are not selected to be statistically representative, and non-standardized methods may be used = difficult to generalize findings However, if evidence from other studies confirms the findings, generalization = possible (Hammersley, 1992)

Inferential Generalization The findings of the study can be applied to settings o utside the setting of the study (ex. design changes) Also known as “transferability” or “external validity” The “transferability” of the findings depends on the d escription of the researched context and phenomeno n

Allows inferences but will rest as a hypothesis until s upported or disproved by further research and analys is To think what might happen Usually gives clues on what has or did happen

Theoretical Generalization The notion that theoretical concepts derived from the study can be used to develop further theory Ex: Findings from a study may lead to inferences about effective policies to help homeless people. Thus, findings from a study may lead to wider social theory

Discussion Questions Is generalisability important to qualitative research? No  Qualitative research represents a unique research approach and does not need to be bound to the same conventions as quantitative research  Qualitative research usually aims to reflect diversity within a given population, rather than generalisability or representativness ( Kuzel, 1992) Which types of generalisability apply?