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Table 1 Types of generalisation in qualitative research [24, 25]

From: Using research networks to generate trustworthy qualitative public health research findings from multiple contexts

Type of generalisation

Brief description

Theoretical/conceptual

From local data observations to general level; theory emerging from analysis and interpretation; concepts developed based on data can be applied elsewhere.

Empirical /Analytical

Generalise about and to other social processes in similar or different settings.

Analogical

Generalising from one or more cases to analogous (similar) cases; One or more characteristics in one case may be adaptable to/actionable in other analogous cases. This can be more applicable to case study research

Communicative

Effectively communicate with target audience with adequate contextualisation so the reader can assess study evidence similarity with their own setting.

Naturalistic

Generalisation a function of people’s knowledge based on their experiences; empowers the readers and democratises generalisation; provides sufficient context for reader to judge applicability of study findings to their world.