What does the term "generalizability" refer to in research?

The term "generalizability" refers specifically to the extent to which the findings of a study can be applied to a broader population beyond the immediate sample that was studied. This concept is crucial in research because it determines how much researchers can infer about a larger group based on their sample results. If the research sample is representative of the population, the studies' outcomes can be generalized to similar groups, enhancing the relevance and applicability of the findings in real-world contexts.

In social work and other fields, establishing generalizability allows practitioners to use research outcomes to inform practices and policies more effectively. When discussing generalizability, researchers often consider factors such as sample size, diversity, and the context in which the study was conducted, all of which influence how well the results can be extended to other settings or populations.