External Validity
Also called: generality of findings
Definition
The degree to which a finding holds beyond the people, settings, behaviors and conditions in which it was demonstrated. In behavior analysis it is established by systematic replication rather than by sampling from a population.
In plain language
Whether a result would hold with other people, in other places, or for other behaviors.
Example
A prompting method shown to work with three learners across two clinics has more external validity than one shown with a single learner.
Not external validity
Showing, with a reversal, that a plan worked for one learner. That establishes internal validity for that learner, not that it works for others.
Commonly confused with
See also
Written from
- kazdin-2011
- sidman-1960
Written from Kazdin (2011) and Sidman (1960). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.