Examining the generalizability of research findings from archival data

This initiative examined systematically the extent to which a large set of archival research findings generalizes across contexts. We repeated the key analyses for 29 original strategic management effects in the same context (direct reproduction) as well as in 52 novel time periods and geographies; 45% of the reproductions returned results matching the original reports together with 55% of tests in different spans of years and 40% of tests in novel geographies. Some original findings were associated with multiple new tests. Reproducibility was the best predictor of generalizability-for the findings that proved directly reproducible, 84% emerged in other available time periods and 57% emerged in other geographies. Overall, only limited empirical evidence emerged for context sensitivity. In a forecasting survey, independent scientists were able to anticipate which effects would find support in tests in new samples.

Automated summary

This study systematically examined the generalizability of a large set of archival research findings across different contexts. The findings showed that 45% of the replicated tests in different time periods and geographies matched the original reports. For the findings that could be directly reproduced, 84% were also observed in other available time periods and 57% were observed in other geographies. Overall, the study suggested limited empirical evidence for context sensitivity.