What is the difference between generalizability in quantitative research and transferability in qualitative research, and what mechanism promotes transferability?

Generalizability in quantitative research is the criterion for assessing whether findings can be applied to other groups and settings, whereas transferability in qualitative research is the extent to which findings can be transferred to other settings and is considered an aspect of trustworthiness. The mechanism that promotes transferability is the amount of rich descriptive information researchers provide about the contexts of their studies.

In quantitative research, generalizability refers to how well findings from a study can be applied to groups and settings beyond the study sample. It is enhanced by designing studies with strong reliability and validity and by selecting participants so that the sample reflects the population of interest. In qualitative research, researchers do not aim for generalizability in the same way, but they seek transferability, which is the degree to which qualitative findings can be applied to other settings. Transferability is supported by providing rich, detailed descriptions of the study context, allowing readers to judge whether the findings might apply elsewhere.