ability to generalise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to generalise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's capacity to apply knowledge or skills learned in one context to different situations or problems. Example: "Her ability to generalise from specific examples allows her to solve complex problems effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, the limited sample size of the bipolar group may reduce the power to detect significant effects and the ability to generalise our results.

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

A three-state HMM has sufficiently many states to model the variation in the initial, central and terminal segments of the utterance without over-fitting and losing the ability to generalise.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

The essence of our task is to generate an algorithm that is capable of inferring probabilistic classification rules from the given training set with the ability to generalise to new patterns.

Journal of Cheminformatics

A restriction on the ability to generalise from econometric results is that a small number of data points may exercise a strong influence on the fit of the n-dimensional plane.

Security Informatics

In the second study, we found that training items using a range of different pictured exemplars improved the patients' ability to generalise words to novel instances of the same object.

Neuropsychologia

Our study tested nine beef heifers' ability to generalise a learned visual cue association to select feeding sites in a rangeland setting offering a novel forage, Lehmann lovegrass (LL).

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

To prevent selection bias and increase confidence in our ability to generalise results we randomly selected studies and randomly allocated them to each reviewer.

Plosone

Any differences that we find in apparent effectiveness of surrogates in these highly similar regions will therefore have large implications for our ability to generalise from one region to another, considering that differences between most study regions are far greater.

Plosone

As such, the ability to generalise from these results is limited.

BMC Public Health

Finally, clearly the ability to generalise these findings to other study populations is limited.

Globalization and Health

Non-probability convenience sampling limits the ability to generalise survey results from this study.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing research limitations, clearly state how factors like sample size or population characteristics affect the "ability to generalise" findings. Be specific about which groups or contexts the results may not apply to.

Common error

Avoid claiming that research findings have broad applicability without sufficient evidence. Acknowledge the specific conditions under which the results were obtained and avoid sweeping statements about the "ability to generalise" beyond those conditions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to generalise" functions as a noun phrase describing the capacity or potential to extend specific findings or knowledge to a broader context. It often appears in discussions about research validity and the applicability of results, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ability to generalise" is grammatically correct and frequently used in academic and scientific contexts to describe the extent to which research findings can be applied to broader populations or settings. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is a key concept in evaluating the validity and applicability of research. Recognizing factors that limit or enhance this "ability to generalise" is crucial for responsible interpretation and application of research results. When writing about this concept, it's important to be specific about the limitations and to avoid overstating the applicability of findings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to extrapolate

Focuses on extending conclusions beyond the immediate data.

potential for generalization

Highlights the possibility of extending results to other situations.

skill in generalizing

Emphasizes proficiency in applying specific knowledge broadly.

power of generalization

Emphasizes the strength and effectiveness in applying specific knowledge broadly.

capability to transfer learning

Highlights the ability to apply learned concepts to new contexts.

aptitude for broad application

Emphasizes a natural talent for applying knowledge widely.

likelihood of transferability

Highlights the probability that something can be successfully transferred to other situations.

scope for generalization

Refers to the extent to which something can be generalized.

room for generalization

Implies there is space or opportunity to generalize.

facility with generalization

Suggests ease and competence in generalizing.

FAQs

How can I improve the "ability to generalise" the findings of my research?

To enhance the "ability to generalise" your research, consider using larger and more diverse sample populations, conducting studies in multiple settings, and employing robust methodologies that minimize bias. Addressing potential limitations transparently will also increase confidence in the broader applicability of your results.

What factors limit the "ability to generalise" research results?

Factors such as small sample sizes, non-random sampling methods, specific population characteristics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity), and unique environmental contexts can significantly limit the "ability to generalise" research results. Recognizing and addressing these limitations is crucial for accurate interpretation and application of findings.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "ability to generalise"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "capacity to extrapolate", "potential for generalization", or "skill in generalizing" to express similar ideas.

What does it mean when a study has a limited "ability to generalise"?

When a study has a limited "ability to generalise", it means that the findings may not be applicable to other populations, settings, or conditions beyond those specifically examined in the study. This could be due to factors like a small or biased sample, a unique study environment, or methodological limitations. The results should be interpreted with caution and not be assumed to apply universally.