Why may results from focus groups not be generalized to the whole population?

Focus groups consist of relatively small groups of participants, which can limit the ability to generalize findings to a larger population. When research results are based on a limited number of individuals, they may not accurately reflect the diverse characteristics, opinions, and behaviors of a broader group. This is because the experiences and perspectives of those in a small, specific focus group may not capture the variability present within the entire population.

In addition, the selection process for focus group participants often involves criteria that tailor the group to specific interests or characteristics related to the study's focus, further limiting the breadth of perspectives included. Therefore, while focus groups can provide in-depth qualitative insights and foster dynamic discussions, their findings may not extend beyond the scope of those particular individuals. This highlights the importance of employing various research methods to gather comprehensive and generalizable data whenever possible.