External Validity
Definition: Whether the findings of a scientific study can be generalized to other contexts outside the study context (different measures, settings, people, places, and times). Statistically, threats to external validity may reflect interactions whereby the effect of one factor (the independent variable) depends on another factor (a confounding variable). External validity may also be limited by the study design (e.g., an artificial laboratory setting or a non-representative sample).
Related terms: Constraints on Generality (COG), Internal validity, Generalizability, Representativity, Validity
Reference: Cook and Campbell (1979); Lynch (1982); Steckler and McLeroy (2008) Alternative definition:Â (if applicable) In Psychometrics, the degree of evidence that confirms the relations of a tested psychological construct with external variables Alternative definition: (if applicable) In Psychometrics, the degree of evidence that confirms the relations of a tested psychological construct with external variables Related terms to alternative definition: Criterion validity; Convergent validity; Divergent validity Related terms to alternative definition: Criterion validity; Convergent validity; Divergent validity
Drafted and Reviewed by: Annalise A. LaPlume, Mahmoud Elsherif, Helena Hartmann, Kai Krautter, Oscar Lecuona, FlĂĄvio Azevedo