What is meant by external validity in research?

External validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized or applied to other contexts, situations, or populations beyond the specific conditions of the research in question. When research has high external validity, it indicates that the results are relevant and applicable in real-world settings, allowing researchers and practitioners to confidently draw conclusions that extend beyond the sample or environment studied.

This concept is crucial because it addresses the practical implications of research findings. For example, if a psychological study is conducted on a specific group of college students at a particular university, high external validity would suggest that the findings could also apply to other college students at different universities or even to older adults, depending on the nature of the research.

The other choices presented do not accurately capture the essence of external validity. While accuracy of measurements, reliability over time, and representativeness of subjects are important aspects of research methodology, they pertain more to internal validity and the rigor of the study itself rather than the applicability of its findings to broader populations or situations. Thus, option B clearly and succinctly defines the crux of external validity in research.