When results obtained in a research study can be extended to a group larger than the sample (outside the context of the study) it is called?

There are various characteristics in the process of research. Validity is one of those desirable characteristics in the research process.

• Validity holds the accuracy of procedures, research instruments, tests, etc.
• Validity claims that research must be unbiased and free form any systematic error.
• Without validity, research may lead to the wrong path.

There are various types of validity that include internal validity, external validity, face validity, content validity, criterion validity, construct validity.

• Internal validity: The researcher can establish a causal relationship between two or more variables with higher internal validity. It is also known as credibility.
• External validity: It means the external factors that can affect the result of research must be controlled. It also refers that the outcomes of the research can be generalized and applied to other cases that are not under study. For example, the response of a respondent in social sciences surveys may be affected by mere the presence of a non-participant observer. It is also known as generalizability or transferability.
• Face validity: It means the objective of the survey and the questionnaire is fulfilled and they accurately measure what they are supposed to measure.
• Content validity: It means the indicator measures all aspects of the construct not just a part of it.
• Criterion validity: The indicator corresponds with and is predictive of measurements using related indicators.
• Construct validity: The indicator measures all the constructs in a manner that is convergent with other measures.