Generalization in Qualitative Research

1. GENERALIZATION IN
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Submitted to:
Prof. Agnes Montalbo
Rizal Technological University
Submitted by:
Analiza Aquino

2. Definition:Generalization
A statement or claim of some sort that applies to
more than one individual, group, object or
situation.

3. Value: Generalization
• Allows the researcher to have expectations.
• Sometimes to make predictions
Although a generalization might not be true
in every case, it describes, more often than not,
what we would expect to find.

4. Limitation: Qualitative Research
There is seldom methodological justification for
generalizing the findings of a particular study.
Thus, replication of qualitative research is very
important.

5. Eisner points out…
Not only ideas can be generalized, also
skills and images.
• Skill can be generalized when we apply it in a
different situation than the one which we
learned the skill.

6. Eisner points out…
Not only ideas can be generalized, also
skills and images.
• “…the creation of an image – a vivid portrait of
excellent teaching, for example – can become a
prototype that can be used in the education of
teachers or for the appraisal of teaching.”
--Eisner

7. Quantitative vs Qualitative
In Quantitative research, the researcher
generalizes from the sample under investigation
to the population of interest.
In Qualitative research, the practitioner who
judges the applicability of the research’s findings
and conclusions and who determines whether
the findings fit his/her situation.

8. Note
• Not all qualitative researchers look at
generalizing in the same way
• Some are less concerned with the question of
whether their findings are generalizable, but
rather with the question to which other settings
and subjects they are generalizable.

9. Qualitative Investigators
• They are less definitive
• They are less certain about the conclusions
drawn from the research
• Conclusions for them are viewed as ideas to be
shared, discussed and investigated further.
• Modification in different circumstances and
under different conditions will almost always be
necessary.

10. --End of Report--
Thank you and God bless!