What are the differences between internal and external validity?

What are the differences between internal and external validity?

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study accurately establishes a cause-and-effect relationship, while external validity pertains to the generalizability of the study's findings to other settings or populations.

Can you give me examples of each?

Sure! An example of internal validity is a controlled experiment where variables are tightly regulated. An example of external validity is a survey conducted across various demographics to see if the results apply broadly.

Why is internal validity important?

Internal validity is crucial because it ensures that the results of a study are due to the manipulation of the independent variable, rather than other factors, which strengthens the credibility of the research.

How can researchers improve external validity?

Researchers can improve external validity by using diverse samples, conducting studies in real-world settings, and replicating studies across different populations.