Generalizability

Sampling theory is a study of relationships existing between a population and samples drawn from the population. Sampling theory is applicable only to  random  samples . For this  purpose  the population or a universe may be defined as an aggregate of items possessing a common trait or traits.  

Example:  We may wish to draw conclusions about the percentage of defective bolts produced in a factory during a given 6-day week by examining 20 bolts each day produced at various times during the day. Note that all bolts produced in this case during the week comprise the population, while the 120 selected bolts during 6-days constitute a sample.  

Generalizability refers to the extension of a research finding as well as conclusions from the study conducted on sample population to the large population.  

Example:   W hen a person wants to find out the percentage of people who smoke in a certain country. A sample would be taken in order to represent the entire population as well as findings taken to represent the general population.    

References  

Burns, N., Grove, S. (2011).  Understanding Nursing Research, 5th Edition. [ Pageburstl ]. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/978-1-4377-0750-2/