A researcher studies one population and obtains results. He now wants to…
2024
A researcher studies one population and obtains results. He now wants to generalize these results to a different population. For this, his study should demonstrate:
Answer: A. External Validity — Concept: Validity describes how well evidence supports the intended interpretation and use of a measurement or study. Different forms of validity answer…
- A.
External Validity
- B.
Internal Validity
- C.
Convergent Validity
- D.
Divergent Validity
Attempted by 3 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Concept: Validity describes how well evidence supports the intended interpretation and use of a measurement or study. Different forms of validity answer different questions.
Generalization concerns whether findings transfer across populations, settings, times, or conditions; causal control within a study and agreement between measures are separate concerns.
Application
The researcher wants findings from one population to apply to another population. This is a question of external validity, so the relevant form of validity is external validity.
Contrast
External validity: transferability of findings beyond the studied sample or setting.
Internal validity: confidence that an observed effect within the study is attributable to the studied cause rather than confounding factors.
Convergent validity: agreement between different measures intended to assess the same construct.
Divergent validity: empirical distinctness of measures intended to assess different constructs.
Cross-check
Replacing ‘different population’ with ‘the same study under controlled conditions’ would test internal validity instead. The stated transfer across populations therefore identifies external validity.