Which type of validity is established when a study conclusion supports a…

Concept

Validity asks whether a research conclusion is justified. Internal validity concerns causal inference within the study, whereas external validity concerns whether findings generalise beyond the studied setting or sample.

Application

The conclusion links measured variables through a cause-and-effect relationship. This asks whether the observed effect can be attributed to the proposed cause within the study design.

Contrast

• External validity concerns generalising findings to other populations, settings, or times.

• Internal validity concerns the credibility of a causal conclusion within the study.

• Replicability concerns whether an independent repetition can obtain consistent results.

• Conceptualisation concerns defining an abstract idea so that it can be studied or measured.

Cross-check and result

Because the statement is about the credibility of a measured causal relationship within the study, the relevant construct is internal validity.