External validity refers to what aspect of study results?

External validity refers to what aspect of study results?

• A. The extent to which results generalize to other populations
• B. The correctness of data entry
• C. The precision of a measurement
• D. The ability to replicate results in the same sample

Answer: (A)

External validity is about generalizability: how well the study’s findings apply beyond the exact sample and settings used in the research. It answers whether results would hold for people in other populations, in different environments, or at different times. This matters because researchers want to know if the conclusions can inform real-world practice or policy, not just the specific study conditions. This is separate from data-entry accuracy (ensuring data were recorded correctly), measurement precision (how reliably the instrument measures the construct), or reproducing results within the same sample (which speaks to reliability rather than whether findings apply elsewhere).

External validity is about generalizability: how well the study’s findings apply beyond the exact sample and settings used in the research. It answers whether results would hold for people in other populations, in different environments, or at different times. This matters because researchers want to know if the conclusions can inform real-world practice or policy, not just the specific study conditions. This is separate from data-entry accuracy (ensuring data were recorded correctly), measurement precision (how reliably the instrument measures the construct), or reproducing results within the same sample (which speaks to reliability rather than whether findings apply elsewhere).