Generalize Results
Definition
Generalizing results means applying findings from a sample group in an experiment or study to larger populations outside the study.
Analogy
If you taste one slice from a large pizza and find it delicious, you might generalize that the entire pizza is delicious. Similarly, in psychology, if a behavior or trait is found in a sample group, we might generalize that it applies to the larger population.
Related terms
Sample: A subset of individuals selected from a larger population for study.
Population: The total group of individuals that researchers want to draw conclusions about.
External Validity: The extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other situations and populations.
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