Discussion 1: group research designs | SOCW 6301 – Social Work Practice Research I | Walden University
The ability to apply the results of a study to different populations and settings is known as generalizability. While I don’t have specific access to research studies because I work as a translator, I can provide general information about concerns surrounding the study’s external validity.
The selection of the samples is one aspect of research design which can limit its generalisability. If the study’s sample is not representative of the larger population, the results may not be generalizable. If a study includes only participants who are from one age group, or from one geographic area, the findings may not translate to other locations or age groups.
Another aspect of research design that can limit generalizability is the study’s method of data collection. The data collection process may be inconsistent or not reliable and the results might not be generalizable. Participants may give inaccurate or insufficient information if they self-report data.
Additionally, the study’s research design and methods might limit generalizability if they are too artificial or controlled. The results of a lab study may not translate well to the real world. Also, it is possible that the results may not be generalizable if variables were manipulated in ways not consistent with how they might naturally occur.
In summary, there are several aspects of research design that can limit the generalizability of a study’s findings, including sample selection, data collection methods, and the artificiality of the research design itself. These factors must be considered by researchers when creating studies or interpreting the results in order to accurately represent the target population.