When both generalizability and transferability refer to the application of findings to other situations/contexts, I suppose they are essentially the same. The only difference is that one term is used for quantitative research and the other for qualitative research. Am I right?
Hi Sajad,
I have tackled that question myself in my research and I disagree, the concepts are not the same. While the discussion on this topic is quite complex, I capture the main point below.
Generalisability in quantitative research refers to the extent to which we can generalise the findings from a sample to an entire population (provided that the sample is representative for the population) regardless of context, transferability refers to the extent to which we can transfer the findings found in a specific context to another, very similar context. So you can see that the purpose is different just as the quantitative and qualitative paradigms of research are based on different assumptions.
For reading on this topic, I recommend
Schreier, M. (2017) - Sampling and Generalisation.The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Collection, 84-
I hope this answer helps.
Best wishes,
Catalina
Hi Sajad,
I have tackled that question myself in my research and I disagree, the concepts are not the same. While the discussion on this topic is quite complex, I capture the main point below.
Generalisability in quantitative research refers to the extent to which we can generalise the findings from a sample to an entire population (provided that the sample is representative for the population) regardless of context, transferability refers to the extent to which we can transfer the findings found in a specific context to another, very similar context. So you can see that the purpose is different just as the quantitative and qualitative paradigms of research are based on different assumptions.
For reading on this topic, I recommend
Schreier, M. (2017) - Sampling and Generalisation.The SAGE Handbook of Qualitative Data Collection, 84-
I hope this answer helps.
Best wishes,
Catalina
I agree with Catalina Diana Dumitru that there are important differences. In particular generalizability requires a prior determination of the population that will be represented, which also limits generalizability to that specific population. This version of generalizability is determined by well-defined statistical procedures.
In contrast, transferability is applied after the conclusions have been reached, and can be extended to any of a variety of possible "populations." The degree of transferability is based on subjective arguments the researcher must justify.
My own opinion is that transferability is probably the more relevant goal in most research, but it is a more controversial claim due to its subjective nature.
I would say that they are "essentially the same" in the way that they both deal with what conclusions can be drawn ffrom research results for subjects that has not participated in the study but as professor Morgan points out there are important differences. These differences pertains to differences in ontology and epistemology undepinning quantitative and qualitative methods.
Qualitative research mostly uses SPPS and like tools while quantitative focus on the response of the respondent
Essentially, I agree with David, above, although I think that whether generalisation or transferability of research results is most relevant depends on research purpose.
Also, I suggest that transferability needn't be controversial if, as David states, researchers justify it.
The methodology depend on the type and purpose of the research and agree with David. I have anther question about research-gate, that can you be sponsorship for my PhD.
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