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While group research studies large numbers of participants to improve generalizability, this approach does not entirely solve the problem of generalizing findings to specific individuals. A treatment might demonstrate a small positive effect on average in a large group, but this statistical average can mask highly varied individual responses, such as large positive effects for some participants and small negative effects for others. Consequently, when applying a treatment proven effective in a group to another large group, researchers can expect a similar average effect, but when applying it to a single individual, they cannot be certain whether the outcome will be positive, small, or even negative.

Generalizing to Individuals in Group Research

In group research, if a treatment demonstrates a positive effect on average across a large number of participants, what can researchers conclude about applying this treatment to a specific individual?

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