Study Design

Question 1

Internal Validity

Answer 1

the extent to which causal conclusions can be drawn or the degree of certainty that “A” caused “B,” where A is the independent variable (or program) and B is the dependent variable (or outcome).

Question 2

External validity

Answer 2

the extent to which it is possible to generalize from the data and context of the research study to other populations, times, and settings (especially those specified in the statement of the original problem/issue).

Question 3

Construct validity

Answer 3

the extent to which the constructs in the conceptual framework are successfully operationalized (e.g., measured or implemented) in the research study.

Question 4

Statistical conclusion validity

Answer 4

the extent to which the study has used appropriate sample size, measures, and statistical methods to enable it to detect the effects if they are present. This is also related to the statistical power.