Final answer:
External validity refers to the generalizability of study findings. Evaluating external validity involves assessing the extent to which findings can be applied or transferred to real-world situations. Factors such as sample representativeness and similarity to real-world conditions affect external validity.
Step-by-step explanation:
External validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized to a larger population or real-world situations. In other words, it assesses the degree to which the results of a study can be applied or transferred to other contexts or individuals beyond the specific sample or setting of the study.
Evaluating studies in terms of their external validity involves considering factors that may influence the generalizability of the findings. These factors include the representativeness of the sample, the similarity of the study setting to real-world conditions, and the relevance of the variables and measures used in the study to the target population or phenomenon being studied.
For example, if a study on the effects of a particular teaching method on student achievement is conducted in a single school with a small sample of students, the external validity of the findings may be limited. The findings may not be representative of all students in different schools or educational contexts.
On the other hand, if the study is conducted in multiple schools with diverse populations and measures key variables that are relevant to the broader educational setting, the findings may have higher external validity.