Generalizability - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Generalizability refers to how well the results of a study or experiment can be applied to other situations, groups, or contexts beyond the original research setting. It is a key concept in research and statistics.
Definition:
The extent to which research findings can be applied to other contexts or populations.
Synonyms:
applicability, transferability, external validity
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
specificity, inapplicability
Common Collocations:
study generalizability, limited generalizability, enhance generalizability
Derivatives:
generalize, generalized, generalizing
Usage Tips:
Use "generalizability" when discussing how widely research results can be applied beyond the original study conditions.
Common Phrases:
broad generalizability, question the generalizability, assess the generalizability
Etymology:
Derived from "generalize," from Latin "generalis," meaning "pertaining to all," combined with "-ability," indicating capacity.
Examples:
- 1. The study's generalizability is limited by its small sample size.
- 2. Researchers debated the generalizability of the findings to larger populations.
- 3. High generalizability means results apply widely across different settings.
- 4. The report questioned the generalizability of the experimental outcomes.