To what extent can findings be generalized from qualitative studies?

Question 1

TWE can findings be generalised from qualitative studies: it can’t be generalized… (3)

Answer 1

• most studies have few participants
• sampling is based on selection criteria and not representativeness (e.g. purposive, snowball or volunteer sampling)
• the goal of data analysis is to understand the subjective experience of participants in the study making it personal

Question 2

TWE can findings be generalised from qualitative studies: it can be generalized (representational generalization) (2)

Answer 2

• findings from a study can be applied to populations outside the study
• if findings from similar studies corroborate conclusions, some degree of generalizability may be possible

Question 3

TWE can findings be generalised from qualitative studies: it can be generalized (inferential generalization/transferability) (2)

Answer 3

• findings from a study can be applied to settings outside the study
• the findings can be “transferred” to similar settings

Question 4

TWE can findings be generalised from qualitative studies: it can be generalized (theoretical generalization) (1)

Answer 4

• theoretical concepts developed in the study can be used to develop further theory

Question 5

To what extent can findings be generalized from qualitative studies? (3+3)

Answer 5

It can’t be generalized…

• most studies have few participants
• sampling is based on selection criteria and not representativeness (e.g. purposive, snowball or volunteer sampling)
• the goal of data analysis is to understand the subjective experience of participants in the study making it personal

It can be generalized…

• representational generalization
• inferential generalization/transferability
• theoretical generalization