Final answer:
The key to generalizing the findings from a study to the general population is using random sampling, which ensures representativeness and avoids biased sampling weaknesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
We should not generalize the findings from a study to the general population unless the study used random sampling. This is because random sampling ensures that every member of the population has an equal chance of being included in the study, which helps the sample to be representative of the larger population.
Having a large sample size increases the likelihood that the results are reliable, but it does not guarantee that the sample is representative if the sampling method is biased. Similarly, while statistical significance indicates that the results are not due to chance, it does not ensure representativeness of the findings. A cross-sectional study design has its advantages but does not inherently guarantee that the findings can be generalized.
To avoid the fallacy of hasty generalization, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of the subject (such as variability in human behaviors) which determine how much evidence is needed to support generalization. Moreover, even with unbiased sampling, geographic diversity and other elements (e.g., extreme conditions) must be considered to accurately generalize findings.
In conclusion, random sampling plays a pivotal role in ensuring the generalizability of study findings to the entire population.