Generalizable Knowledge:
In order to contribute to generalizable knowledge, the activity’s conclusions are intended to be extended beyond the sample or internal program. The dissemination of findings to a scientific audience is a sufficient criterion for identifying generalizable knowledge (adapted from Case Western Reserve University).
Here, information is generalized from the sample (e.g., UW-Stout’s senior’s attitudes toward distant education for a math class) to a specific population (University of Wisconsin System) and the results are shared via internet, professional conferences, peer-reviewed journals, etc.
Generalizable Knowledge includes one or more of the following:
- The data is geared for scholars, practitioners, and/or researchers within a specified field of study
- Results of the study are presented either by presentation and/or publication in order to
illuminate some topic/issue within one’s field of study
- Results from the study are applied to some population in addition to the sample
- The study’s results can be replicated by others
- The study provides input into some field of study (adapted from the University of Michigan)