What type of validity ensures that study findings can be applied across various contexts and populations?

External validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized beyond the specific settings, populations, and conditions studied in the research. When a study has high external validity, its results can be applied to other contexts, groups, and situations, making the findings relevant and useful beyond the original study sample. This type of validity is crucial when researchers aim to draw conclusions that can influence wider practices, policies, or understanding within a broader context.

In contrast, internal validity focuses on the extent to which a study accurately measures the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, without being confounded by other factors. Construct validity assesses whether the measurements used in a study truly capture the theoretical concepts they are intended to measure. Content validity evaluates whether a measure represents all aspects of a given construct. While each type of validity serves an important role in research, it is external validity that specifically addresses the applicability of findings across different populations and contexts.