What is external validity concerned with?

External validity refers to the extent to which the findings from a study can be generalized or applied to settings, populations, or times beyond the specific circumstances in which the study was conducted. This means that if a research study is to have strong external validity, its results should be relevant and applicable to a broader group, not just the sample or conditions used in the experiment.

When a study demonstrates strong external validity, it indicates that the results hold true not only for the participants involved in the study but also for a wider audience. This is particularly important when researchers want to be confident that their findings can influence practical applications, policy-making, or further research in different contexts.

The other options focus on different aspects of research methodology. Consistency in measurement pertains to reliability, which assesses whether the same results would be obtained if the study were repeated. Control over variables relates to internal validity, ensuring that the results are due to the experimental manipulation rather than confounding factors. Accuracy of measurement concerns the validity of the instruments used, meaning whether they measure what they are supposed to measure. While these concepts are crucial for the overall integrity of research, they do not capture the essence of external validity as it applies to broader applicability.