Validity measures how well research results reflect reality. Internal validity means the study was set up correctly to answer its questions. External validity means the findings apply beyond the study itself.
What is validity? Validity can be the difference between having an interesting study and a study that has results that are credible. Validity, quite simply, is how well do your results reflect reality? The reality of what you're looking at? Internal validity I like to think of, Did I set the study up properly versus external validity? Is this generalizable to the world beyond my study? Is that designed in that way? Another way to think of this is when you're talking to your committee internal validity. They're saying things like, wow, can you do this? Is this study set up properly versus external validity? Is, well, what will the results mean to the outside world? Drop the word help in the comments and I'll send you a link to my free dissertation help community.
