ABSTRACT
Making a sound generalisation depends on various factors. One is how representative the research’s sample are compared to the broader group of learners. If the sample had characteristics that made them unusual in some way, then it may not be possible to say that a conclusion from the research can be generalised to other people. Applying the findings or conclusions from research sources is difficult to do without a degree of bias, especially when a person's knowledge of the original research is limited. The educational system can also make a difference. Researchers who have studied programmes which provide one laptop or tablet for every learner have found considerable variation in terms of the outcomes across different programmes and countries. The problem with a great deal of educational research is that it focuses on surface behaviours and outcomes, but the underlying reasons are open to speculation.
