What is meant by "external validity" in research?

External validity refers to the degree to which research findings can be generalized beyond the specific conditions or subjects involved in the study. This means that a study with high external validity suggests that the results are applicable to other settings, populations, or times, indicating the broader relevance of the research outcomes.

The essence of external validity lies in the ability to apply findings to real-world scenarios or varied groups. For instance, if a study on a specific educational intervention shows positive outcomes in one classroom, external validity assesses whether those outcomes could be expected in different classrooms, schools, or even educational contexts.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of research methodology. The reliability of data collection methods relates to the consistency of measurement techniques used during the study. Internal consistency refers specifically to the degree to which items within a measurement tool yield similar results, highlighting the need for coherence within parts of a study. The occurrence of a study's findings in a similar context is a limited view and does not fully encompass the broader applicability that external validity addresses.