The generahzability of research using small nonrandom convenience samples is a central issue
in social work. This analysis empirically examines the generalizability offindings in exploratory
practice-based research by using the case of a study involving polydrug-addicted women. This
article extends the discussion of generality offindings past the single-case research to applied
research using larger samples. Specifically, generalizability to the larger population of the
responses of 39 polydrug-addicted mothers on their parenting beliefs, parenting stress, and
parent-child interactions is explored. This is done by systematically comparing the demographic
characteristics of the small sample of women with a large random sample of 2,082 drug-addicted
women.
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