What is assessed by external validity?

External validity refers to the extent to which the results of a study can be generalized or applied to settings, populations, or times beyond the specific conditions of the study itself. When considering the applicability of findings to wider populations, researchers are interested in understanding whether the conclusions drawn from a sample can be expected to hold true in different contexts or with different groups. This consideration is vital in research to ensure that interventions or treatments, such as those examined in music therapy, can be effectively utilized across diverse patient populations and settings.

The focus on external validity emphasizes the importance of representative samples and the generalizability of findings, ensuring that studies have real-world relevance. Therefore, when assessing external validity, researchers look to determine whether the effects observed in the study are likely to occur in other similar situations, thus impacting clinical practice and policy.