The validity of research is important to ensure that the findings are reliable and can be used to inform decisions. Validity can be divided into two categories: internal and external validity.
Internal validity is the degree to which the results of a study are based on the attributes of the research participants. This aspect of validity is often assessed by looking at whether the study’s results are consistent across different groups of people, periods, or research settings.
External validity is the degree to which the results of a study can be used to inform decisions about real-world situations. This aspect of validity is often assessed by looking at whether the study’s results are consistent with other studies.
Several types of validity can be assessed in research:
1. Concurrent validity: The study’s results are valid if they are consistent with other studies done in the same area of research.
2. Cross-sectional validity: The study’s results are valid if they are consistent with the data collected from the research participants when the study was conducted.
3. Retrospective validity: The study’s results are valid if they can be used to predict future events.
4. Prospective validity: The study’s results are valid if they can be used to predict future behavior.
5. Construct validity: The study’s results are valid if they measure what they should measure.
6. Nominal validity: The study’s results are valid if they have a specific, measurable, and meaningful name.
7. Interval validity: The study’s results are valid if they are consistent with the intervals between the research measurements.
8. Criterion validity: The study’s results are valid if they measure what is supposed to be measured.
9. Reliability: The study’s results are valid if they are accurate and consistent.
10. Generalizability: The study’s results are valid if they can be applied to other situations or groups of people.
