External validity refers to the extent to which one can infer that an independent variable has influenced the dependent variable-that is,has caused the difference in behaviors between the participants in the different experimental conditions.

External Validity

The extent to which research findings can be generalized or applied to other settings, populations, or time periods outside of the original study conditions.

Independent Variable

A variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to determine its effects on a dependent variable.

Experimental Conditions

The controlled environment and variables under which an experiment is conducted to test hypotheses and observe outcomes.