Discuss why the generalizability of research findings is limited by the data sample. How do researchers seek to improve the generalizability of their findings?
000058889
SOCIAL RESEARCH (SCL 5200)
FALL 2015
23 OCTOBER
Introduction
Generalization in research is the capacity of a study to extrapolate or imagine the relevance of the findings beyond the boundaries of the sample or data. The higher the generalization, the higher the value of the study. It therefore reflects the extent to which a study is able to generalize its findings from the sample to represent the entire subject area. (Sarantakos Sotririos, 2013). Traditionally generalization refers to the ability to apply the result of a research conducted on a sample of a …show more content…
They use probability theory to construct the sample and statistical method to estimate the level of generalization (Sarandakos, 2013). Based on the research question above, quantitative researcher would use probability samples to construct their hypothesis samples selectively.
Naturalistic generalization will seek to generate possibilities for transferring knowledge more subjectively because of the diverse and the variation nature of this research proposal.
Both methods employ representation of samples to help test hypothesis of the entire population. To arrive at findings to the research it would be ideal to collect vast amount of library report from all educational centers in London against my control population. Chances are that this will run into millions, making it difficult and time constraint and would render the research impossible. This will therefore require generalization by selecting sample educational centers to represent the whole population. Time is also critical as behavior or patterns can change from time to time hence the sample institutions or groups reflects the true representation of the whole
000058889
SOCIAL RESEARCH (SCL 5200)
FALL 2015
23 OCTOBER
Introduction
Generalization in research is the capacity of a study to extrapolate or imagine the relevance of the findings beyond the boundaries of the sample or data. The higher the generalization, the higher the value of the study. It therefore reflects the extent to which a study is able to generalize its findings from the sample to represent the entire subject area. (Sarantakos Sotririos, 2013). Traditionally generalization refers to the ability to apply the result of a research conducted on a sample of a …show more content…
They use probability theory to construct the sample and statistical method to estimate the level of generalization (Sarandakos, 2013). Based on the research question above, quantitative researcher would use probability samples to construct their hypothesis samples selectively.
Naturalistic generalization will seek to generate possibilities for transferring knowledge more subjectively because of the diverse and the variation nature of this research proposal.
Both methods employ representation of samples to help test hypothesis of the entire population. To arrive at findings to the research it would be ideal to collect vast amount of library report from all educational centers in London against my control population. Chances are that this will run into millions, making it difficult and time constraint and would render the research impossible. This will therefore require generalization by selecting sample educational centers to represent the whole population. Time is also critical as behavior or patterns can change from time to time hence the sample institutions or groups reflects the true representation of the whole