PSY 689 Week 3 Discussion| 2026 Latest Update
with Complete Solution - Keiser University
Hello Dr. Mendelson and Class,
Define Internal Validity and External Validity in the Context of Research. Explain the
Fundamental Differences Between These Two Concepts.
The concept of internal validity is critical in research as it evaluates the degree to which a
study can convincingly assert a causal relationship between its independent and dependent
variables. This means that internal validity assesses whether the outcomes observed are
genuinely the result of manipulation of the independent variable, rather than being influenced by
extraneous or confounding factors that may distort the results. When an experiment demonstrates
high internal validity, scientists can be sure that any change they find in the dependent variable is
a direct result of their experimental manipulation, and therefore, strong conclusions regarding
causation and effect can be made (Kenny, 2019).
Conversely, external validity addresses the generalizability of the study's findings beyond
its immediate setting. It examines if the findings can be translated to other populations, settings,
or times. High external validity research indicates that its results are generalizable to a wide
range of contexts, which renders the results more applicable and meaningful in most everyday
uses that go beyond the limits of the research setting (Kenny, 2019). In essence, high external
validity implies that the acquired learning is not limited to a small population but can be
generalized to a larger population or different situations. In the internal and external validity
discussion, it is important to note some significant differences between the two notions.
with Complete Solution - Keiser University
Hello Dr. Mendelson and Class,
Define Internal Validity and External Validity in the Context of Research. Explain the
Fundamental Differences Between These Two Concepts.
The concept of internal validity is critical in research as it evaluates the degree to which a
study can convincingly assert a causal relationship between its independent and dependent
variables. This means that internal validity assesses whether the outcomes observed are
genuinely the result of manipulation of the independent variable, rather than being influenced by
extraneous or confounding factors that may distort the results. When an experiment demonstrates
high internal validity, scientists can be sure that any change they find in the dependent variable is
a direct result of their experimental manipulation, and therefore, strong conclusions regarding
causation and effect can be made (Kenny, 2019).
Conversely, external validity addresses the generalizability of the study's findings beyond
its immediate setting. It examines if the findings can be translated to other populations, settings,
or times. High external validity research indicates that its results are generalizable to a wide
range of contexts, which renders the results more applicable and meaningful in most everyday
uses that go beyond the limits of the research setting (Kenny, 2019). In essence, high external
validity implies that the acquired learning is not limited to a small population but can be
generalized to a larger population or different situations. In the internal and external validity
discussion, it is important to note some significant differences between the two notions.
