What is External Validity?
External validity is a term used in research to refer to the generalizability of study results. It is the extent to which results from a study can be applied to other settings, people, and times. In other words, external validity is the degree to which results of a study can be generalized to the real world.
Examples of External Validity
External validity is important in research because it determines the extent to which the findings can be generalized to other populations and settings. Here are some examples of external validity:
- A study conducted at a university may have external validity if the results can be applied to other universities.
- A study conducted among older adults may have external validity if the results are applicable to other age groups.
- A study conducted in one country may have external validity if the results can be generalized to other countries.
- A study conducted at one time period may have external validity if the results remain applicable to other time periods.
Factors That Affect External Validity
External validity is affected by a number of factors, such as the sample size, the sample selection process, the study design, and the setting in which the study was conducted.
- Sample size: If the sample size is too small, it may not be representative of the population and the results may not be generalizable to a larger population.
- Sample selection process: If the sample selection process is not representative of the population, the results may not be generalizable to the population.
- Study design: If the study design is not appropriate, the results may not be generalizable to other settings.
- Setting: If the study is conducted in a specific setting, the results may not be generalizable to other settings.
Conclusion
External validity is an important concept in research. It determines the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized to other settings, people, and times. External validity is affected by a number of factors, such as the sample size, the sample selection process, the study design, and the setting in which the study was conducted.
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