Build your IB Psychology HL understanding of Data Analysis by evaluating how study design supports or limits generalization and transfer of findings.
To what extent can findings from this qualitative research study be generalized?
Refer to the paper 3 markbands when awarding marks.
The command term "to what extent" requires candidates to consider the degree to which findings from this qualitative study can be generalized.
Candidates may say that generalization could be important in qualitative research because it means that the results are relevant outside the context of the study itself. They could also argue that generalization may be difficult with a study such as this one because there is little previous research in the same area to compare it with.
Candidates could refer to ways of generalizing findings in qualitative research, for example, as outlined by Lewis and Richie (2003):
- Representational generalization: findings from qualitative research studies can be applied to populations outside the population of the study. With reference to the study in the stimulus material, candidates may say that even though the results may primarily apply to the seven clinics in the study, there is a similar pattern that could indicate a more general trend. If the sample is small the results cannot be statistically representative but if similar studies confirm the findings of this study, it could be argued that generalization is possible. The problem is that not many studies have been performed so far.
- Theoretical generalization: this refers to how far results could contribute to formulation of theory, for example, with reference to the study in the stimulus material that a shabby appearance negatively affects the treatment clients receive in most clinics for the poor. Such a theory could be put to test in other similar settings to test its generalizability and this could be used to develop further theory. For example, the findings from this study could lead to inferences about how to select and provide effective training of staff in healthcare clinics for the poor.
- Inferential generalization: the findings of the study can be applied to settings outside the study, ie transferability. Since the study is on poor, marginalized and homeless individuals, candidates may argue that the findings could be transferred to other similar settings (for example, shelters) but this will depend on the richness of the data.
Candidates may, in their discussion of generalization of findings from this qualitative research, briefly refer to statistical generalization (quantitative research) as part of their argument. This should be given credit as long as the main focus is on generalization from qualitative research.
Candidates may refer to the possibility of comparing findings from one qualitative study to other qualitative studies without using specific terminology relating to generalization, such as "representational", "inferential" and "theoretical".