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Generalising from qualitative research - approaches to generalization

6 important questions on Generalising from qualitative research - approaches to generalization

What are the two different generalisations?

- empricial
- theoretical

What is empirical generalisation?

Application of findings from qualitative research studies to populations or settings beyond the particular sample of the study - external validity, case to case generalisation

What are the three different distinct types of inference that have relevance for qualitative reserach:

- representational generalisation
- inferential generalisation (transferability)
- theoretical generalisation

What is representational generalisation

Whether what is found in a research sample can be generalised to the parent population. There is a primary concert to know how far the findings from a study can be generalised to the specific population from which the study sample was drawn -> internal generalisability

What is inferential generalisation (transferability)?

Whether findings can be generalised from the context of the research study to other settings of context. Naturalistic generalisation - based on researchers own knowledge, experience and feeling. --> smokers that quit

What is theoretical generalisation?

Draws theoretical propositions, principles or statements for more general application. The study is used to inform higher-order theory about how people change behaviours that carry serious health risks