Generalizability is the goal for scientists (both social and natural). In the social sciences invoking generalizability is more problematic as it is often based on assessment of a mainstream population, but may not apply to groups outside of the mainstream. This is a significant challenge to developing appropriate policy and interventions suitable for Other groups. An example is given of how this concern was overcome through consideration of the Voice Of the Customer (VOC) and utilizing cognitive maps to consider the challenge of diabetes in two Canadian First Nations Communities. An understanding of the limits to generalizability is important in cases where cultural, geographical, or political differences exist. This is not only an important consideration for practitioners in search of successful interventions, but also academics trying to understand and contribute to knowledge in a variety of fields; including the diffusion and adoption of innovation.

普遍性是科学家（社会和自然）的目标。在社会科学中，泛化性的问题更大，因为泛化性通常基于对主流人群的评估，但可能不适用于主流人群之外的群体。这对于制定适合其他群体的适当政策和干预措施是一项重大挑战。举例说明了如何通过考虑客户之声（VOC）并利用认知图来考虑两个加拿大原住民社区对糖尿病的挑战，从而克服了这种担忧。在存在文化，地理或政治差异的情况下，了解可概括性的限制很重要。这不仅是从业人员寻求成功干预措施的重要考虑因素，也包括试图在各个领域中了解知识并做出贡献的学者；包括创新的传播和采用。