generalization is one of the most important aims of any research; however you find that in qualitative researches no one expects it. Whilst it is often argued that generalizability is not the purpose of qualitative research, Morse (l999a) states that if qualitative research is not considered to be generalizable, then it is arguably of little use (and is unlikely to be funded). She compares quantitative and qualitative approaches, in order to differentiate between the concept of generalizability as applicable to each. In quantitative work generalizability is statistical, i.e. the study sample is matched to the study population at large to ensure comparability of demographic characteristics and, if this is done correctly, then it is assumed that the findings from the sample are generalizable. In qualitative work, however, participants are selected by means of theoretical sampling, i.e. for their ability to provide information (and consequent theory development) about the area under investigation. Situational, rather than demographic, representativeness is what is sought. It may be said, then, that generalizability in qualitative research refers to the extent to which theory developed within one study may be exported (K.M. Melia, personal communication) to provide explanatory theory for the experiences of other individuals who are in comparable situations.

more information on these links:

http://soc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/39/2/295 http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR4-3/myers.html

Hello,

Interesting question; this paper might also be of help:

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2010). Generalization in quantitative and qualitative research: Myths and strategies. International journal of nursing studies, 47(11), 1451-1458.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/45089830

Very best wishes for a Happy New Year 2018,

Mary

Wan Mohd , you do not need to generalise your qualitative research findings, however a theory can be generated from the findings of the research which other researchers can test. Once it is tested and found to be true, then it then be generalized

Without generalization are you really talking about a scientific endeavor or merely telling a story?

A worthwhile reflection...

Best regrads,

Pedro Correia

Qualitative researchers frequently replace the concept of generalizability with "transferability" (Lincoln & Guiba, 1985). The idea is to consider the other settings to which your research results might apply, i.e., be transferable.

I'm still a novice researcher and based on my readings, I've come across on the frequent references to the concept of transferability to describe the contribution of qualitative studies.