generalizability

UK: ˌdʒenərəlaɪzəˈbɪləti | US: ˌdʒenərəlaɪzəˈbɪləti

Definition

  1. n. The quality or state of being capable of being generalized; the extent to which research findings or theories can be applied to broader contexts beyond the original study.

Structure
general <relating to a whole class>iz <make>ability <capacity>
Etymology

The word "generalizability" is built from three morphemes:

  1. "general" (from Latin generalis, meaning "pertaining to a whole class") introduces the broad, inclusive nature of the concept.
  2. "-iz(e)" (a verb-forming suffix from Greek -izein, meaning "to make") transforms the adjective "general" into the verb "generalize," meaning "to make broadly applicable."
  3. "-ability" (from Latin -abilitas, meaning "capacity or suitability") converts the verb into a noun, denoting the quality of being generalizable.

The term reflects a logical progression from "general" (broad) to "generalize" (to extend broadly) to "generalizability" (the capacity for such extension). It is primarily used in academic and scientific contexts to discuss the applicability of findings.

Examples

  1. The study's small sample size limited the generalizability of its results.

  2. Researchers must consider the generalizability of their conclusions across different populations.

  3. High generalizability is a key strength of well-designed experimental studies.

  4. Critics questioned the generalizability of the theory beyond Western cultures.

  5. Meta-analyses improve generalizability by combining data from multiple studies.