Which statement best differentiates qualitative research from quantitative in terms of generalization?

Which statement best differentiates qualitative research from quantitative in terms of generalization?

• A. Qualitative Findings Are Always Generalizable To The Population
• B. Quantitative Findings Require Non-Statistical Interpretation
• C. Findings Are Exploratory And Not Typically Generalizable To The Population
• D. Quantitative Studies Do Not Aim For Generalization

Answer: (C)

Generalization in research hinges on the study’s purpose and design. Qualitative work focuses on depth, context, and meaning gathered from smaller, purposefully selected samples. Because the aim is to understand how people experience a phenomenon in a particular setting, its findings are exploratory and not typically generalized to the broader population, though they can offer insights transferable to similar contexts when richly described. In contrast, quantitative studies use larger samples and statistical methods to test hypotheses and support generalizations to a wider population. So the statement that best captures the differentiator is that qualitative findings are exploratory and not typically generalized to the population.

Generalization in research hinges on the study’s purpose and design. Qualitative work focuses on depth, context, and meaning gathered from smaller, purposefully selected samples. Because the aim is to understand how people experience a phenomenon in a particular setting, its findings are exploratory and not typically generalized to the broader population, though they can offer insights transferable to similar contexts when richly described. In contrast, quantitative studies use larger samples and statistical methods to test hypotheses and support generalizations to a wider population. So the statement that best captures the differentiator is that qualitative findings are exploratory and not typically generalized to the population.