When the findings about a sample can be said to apply to a larger group of people sharing their characteristics?

When the findings about a sample can be said to apply to a larger group of people sharing their characteristics?

• A. Random sampling
• B. Pilot study
• C. Positivism
• D. Generalisability

Answer: (D)

Generalisability is the extent to which findings from a sample can be applied to a larger group sharing those characteristics. It’s about external validity—the idea that patterns observed in the study would hold for people beyond the sample, who are similar in relevant ways. If the results would likely occur in the broader population, we say they are generalisable. Random sampling helps achieve representativeness, which supports generalisability, but it’s a method, not the concept itself. A pilot study is a small preliminary test of methods, and positivism is a philosophical stance about how knowledge is obtained.

Generalisability is the extent to which findings from a sample can be applied to a larger group sharing those characteristics. It’s about external validity—the idea that patterns observed in the study would hold for people beyond the sample, who are similar in relevant ways. If the results would likely occur in the broader population, we say they are generalisable.

Random sampling helps achieve representativeness, which supports generalisability, but it’s a method, not the concept itself. A pilot study is a small preliminary test of methods, and positivism is a philosophical stance about how knowledge is obtained.