PsychologyJuly 16, 2026

generalizability

/ˌdʒɛnərəlaɪzəˈbɪləti/

Definition

The extent to which the results of a specific study can be accurately applied or extended to a larger, more diverse population or context.

Etymology

Derived from the verb 'generalize,' which stems from the Latin 'genus' meaning 'kind' or 'race.' The suffix '-ability' indicates the capacity for the quality to exist, entering English via Middle French.

In the news

The author notes that because the study used a very small sample size of only 18 participants, the findings have limited generalizability to the broader population of individuals with borderline personality disorder.

Oxytocin nasal spray may help people with borderline personality disorder engage in self-compassion meditation

Read the full article ↗

PsyPost

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.

Not for marketing. One email on launch day.