Generalizability in Qualitative Research: A Tale of Two Traditions

被引:222
作者
Carminati, Lara [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, England
关键词
qualitative and quantitative research; positivist and interpretivist tradition; probabilistic generalizability; theoretical generalizability; transferability; critical review; the UK; SAMPLE-SIZE; HEALTH; QUESTION;
D O I
10.1177/1049732318788379
中图分类号
R1 [预防医学、卫生学];
学科分类号
1004 ; 120402 ;
摘要
Generalizability in qualitative research has been a controversial topic given that interpretivist scholars have resisted the dominant role and mandate of the positivist tradition within social sciences. Aiming to find universal laws, the positivist paradigm has made generalizability a crucial criterion for evaluating the rigor of quantitative research. This positivist echo has led generalizability to acquire a quantitative meaning, inappropriate for describing qualitative studies. The purpose of qualitative research has, thus, been directed toward providing in-depth explanations and meanings rather than generalizing findings. Through a critical review of empirical and theoretical studies, this commentary seeks to show that in qualitative domains, generalizability is possible provided that, first, generalizability is the main objective of the study; second, due precautions concerning the philosophy and terminology selected are taken. Hence, this commentary contributes to the literature on qualitative research by making suggestions for more consistent and unanimous procedures to adopt in qualitative inquiries.
引用
收藏
页码:2094 / 2101
页数:8
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