Transferability and Generalization in Qualitative Research

This article examines the development of the concept of transferability in qualitative research and how it is similar to and different from generalization. Transferability is a process of abstraction used to apply information drawn from specific persons, settings, and eras to others that have not be...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research on social work practice 2025-01, Vol.35 (1), p.102-110
Main Author: Drisko, James W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Concept formation
Conceptual development
Qualitative research
Social work
Transferability
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Summary:This article examines the development of the concept of transferability in qualitative research and how it is similar to and different from generalization. Transferability is a process of abstraction used to apply information drawn from specific persons, settings, and eras to others that have not been directly studied. The concept of transferability has been minimally discussed in the social science and social work literature. The more widely used term, generalization, is poorly distinguished from transferability. This article explores the development of the concept of transferability in qualitative research, clarifying how it differs from universal generalization. Issues of who makes such transfers are examined. Several methods for conceptualizing transfers are detailed. Some types of generalization identified in the literature seem more accurately described as transfers when conceptualized fully.
ISSN:1049-7315
1552-7581
DOI:10.1177/10497315241256560