Explain the concept of "generalizing to." Is this concept generally more important to basic or to applied researchers? Explain your reasoning.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Generalizing to refers to the process of applying findings from a specific study or sample to a larger population or different contexts. It involves making inferences about a broader group based on the results of a smaller, more specific study.

This concept is generally more important to applied researchers. Applied researchers are often focused on solving real-world problems and making practical recommendations based on their findings. In order to do this effectively, they need to be able to generalize their results to a larger population or different settings. For example, a study on the effectiveness of a new teaching method in a specific school may need to be generalized to other schools in order to make meaningful recommendations for educational practice.

Basic researchers, on the other hand, are often more concerned with understanding fundamental principles and mechanisms. While generalizing to larger populations or different contexts is still important for basic researchers, it may not be as central to their research goals as it is for applied researchers.

In conclusion, the concept of generalizing to is generally more important to applied researchers because of their focus on practical applications and real-world problem-solving. However, it is still a crucial consideration for both basic and applied researchers in order to ensure the relevance and impact of their findings.

Explain the Concept of "Generalizing To