Final answer:
The ability to apply results obtained from a small group to the larger population is called generalizability. It ensures the broader applicability of study findings, different from concepts like reliability and validity which relate to consistency and measurement accuracy respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to apply the results obtained from a small group of participants to the larger population is known as generalizability. Generalizability is a measure of how well the results of a study conducted on a sample can be extended to apply to the broader population. This concept is crucial for researchers who aim to make inferences about a larger group based on the data collected from a sample subset of that group. In contrast, reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, while validity pertains to how well a study measures what it is intended to measure.
It's important to highlight that choosing a random sample is an effective method because it gives everyone in the population the same chance of being part of the study, thus enhancing the possibility of achieving generalizability. However, techniques such as case studies often face the challenge of generalizability due to their in-depth, focused nature, which may not accurately represent the wider population.