Which term describes the ability to generalize from the sample to the larger target population and its subpopulations?
Which term describes the ability to generalize from the sample to the larger target population and its subpopulations?
(a) External validity
(b) Population validity
(c) Ecological validity
(d) Temporal validity
✅ Correct option: (b) Population validity
Explanation (200+ words):
Population validity refers to the extent to which research findings can be generalized from the sample studied to the broader population and its subgroups. It focuses specifically on whether the sample accurately represents the population in terms of key characteristics such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. If a study is conducted only on urban students but conclusions are applied to both urban and rural students, population validity may be compromised. Proper sampling techniques enhance population validity by ensuring proportional representation of subpopulations. External validity is a broader concept that includes population, ecological, and temporal validity. Ecological validity concerns generalization across settings, while temporal validity concerns generalization over time. Therefore, population validity is the most precise answer.
10 Related PPSC Facts:
Population validity is part of external validity. Representative samples improve generalization. Random sampling enhances population validity. Biased samples reduce validity. Subpopulations must be represented. Census studies have high population validity. Convenience samples limit generalization. Demographics affect population validity. Sampling error reduces accuracy. Stratified sampling improves representativeness.