Frequently Asked Questions


How do I cite The Generalizer in my work?

Tipton, E. & Miller, K. (2024) The Generalizer. Webtool hosted at https://thegeneralizer.org.

In addition to citing the software, users should also cite the research that develops the methods used in the tool.

For those planning studies, this paper is relevant:

Tipton, E. (2014) Stratified sampling using cluster analysis: A sample selection strategy for improved generalizations from evaluations. Evaluation Review, 37(2): 109-139.

For those assessing the generalizability of a study, this paper is relevant:

Tipton, E. (2014) How generalizable is your evaluation? Comparing a sample and population through a generalizability index. Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, 39(6): 478 – 501.

How do I cite the data used in The Generalizer?

For K-12:

2022-23 Common Core of Data for K-12 schools and school districts

2021-22 Deptment of Education, Title III, English Learners Enrolled

2017-22 American Community Survey School District Data System

For Post-Secondary:

2016-17 Integrated Post-Secondary Data (IPEDS) for colleges and universities

How do I cite the methods used in The Generalizer?

Where can I go for an overview of methods for generalization?

The following paper provides a review of methods for planning studies, assessing generalizability, and estimating population average treatment effects:

Tipton, E., & Olsen, R. B. (2018). A review of statistical methods for generalizing from evaluations of educational intervention. Educational Researcher, 47(8), 516-524.