What does "external validity" refer to in research?

External validity pertains to the generalizability of research findings beyond the specific conditions under which a study was conducted. This concept is crucial for understanding whether the results obtained from a particular study can be applied to different settings, populations, or times. In other words, external validity assesses the extent to which the conclusions drawn from a study can be extrapolated to situations outside the study parameters.

When researchers aim for high external validity, they consider how their sample and experimental conditions may reflect the real-world context. This includes examining whether the demographic characteristics of the participants and the environmental factors match those of the wider community or situation they wish to generalize to. The better the external validity, the more confidence researchers and practitioners can have in applying the findings to other contexts.

The other choices focus on different aspects of research validity. For instance, the accuracy of a single study relates more to internal validity, which assesses whether the study accurately reflects the relationship between variables within its confines. Measuring how closely a study captures its intended concept pertains to construct validity. Consistency of results over time refers to reliability. Each of these concepts plays an important role in research methodology, but they do not define external validity specifically.