On Generalization

The final chapter of On the Case discusses the making of generalized assertions based on the studied case.  As researchers, we want to move the discussion of the case from what happened, or the past tense to the present tense and what happens. Understanding the particulars of its social enactment, the case can be compared to the particulars of other situations.  In this way, "truths" or assumptions can be extended, modified, or complicated" (116).  When generalizing information from a case study, it is important to avoid trying to oversimplify the findings.

The text discussed that Heath situated her work against the backdrop of sociolinguistic theory and problematized generalizations or assertions made in other studies.  It seems that it is very dependent on the case itself, what kind of information the researcher should use as a backdrop to either make or problematize generalizations.

I really felt the examples of Ms. Yung's classroom and Madlenka (even if it was made up), really illustrated how to make generalizations without assuming that the generalizations were perfectly universal, nor were they simple dichotomies.   They were complex and rich with details.  The complexity of each situation is something that the researcher does not want to lose, as they move towards making generalizations about the field in which they are working.