A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What does external validity refer to in psychological research?

1. The applicability of study findings to broader situations

2. The control of extraneous variables in an experiment

3. The reliability of the measuring instruments used

4. The ability to repeat a study with the same results

The correct answer is: The applicability of study findings to broader situations

External validity pertains to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized or applied beyond the specific context or conditions of the research. This means considering whether the findings can be relevant to different populations, settings, or times. For example, if a study on a particular treatment is conducted on a specific age group, external validity examines whether the same treatment would have similar effects on different age groups or in different cultural contexts. This concept is crucial in psychological research because it helps establish the broader relevance and significance of the findings. A study with high external validity informs researchers, practitioners, and policymakers about how its results might apply in real-world scenarios, thereby influencing future research and practical applications. In contrast, the other options emphasize different aspects that are not directly related to the generalizability of study results. Controlling extraneous variables focuses on internal validity, ensuring that the results are due to the manipulation of the independent variable rather than other factors. The reliability of measuring instruments deals with consistency in results over time or across different measures, important for data quality, but distinct from applicability. Lastly, the ability to replicate a study and obtain similar results is about the reliability and robustness of the findings rather than their generalizability to wider contexts.