Generalizability and how it relates to validity

• Generalizability is a primary aspect of research design and a key element of interpreting study findings. • It is important to maintain a balance between achieving strong internal validity and conducting research that has implications for those beyond the study sample. • When evaluating generalizability, one should consider the study's sample selection, eligibility criteria, and setting for research as well as the population and setting to which the findings may be relevant.