External Validity
Definition
External validity refers to how well the results of a study can be generalized or applied to other situations and people.
Analogy
Imagine external validity as being able to use your local weather forecast for predicting weather worldwide. If your local forecast accurately predicts weather patterns across different regions and times, then its external validity is high.
Related terms
Population Validity: Refers specifically to whether findings from your sample can be extrapolated for larger groups or populations.
Ecological Validity: Refers specifically to whether findings from laboratory settings (controlled environments) can be applied in real-world settings.
Cross-cultural Validity: Refers specifically whether findings from one culture are applicable in other cultures.
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