External Validity, Generalizability, and Knowledge Utilization

Ferguson, Linda

Linda Ferguson, RN, MN, Mu Sigma, Professor, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Correspondence to Ms. Ferguson, College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5E5, Canada. E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted for publication April 14, 2003.

Journal of Nursing Scholarship 36(1):p 16-22, March 2004.

Purpose

To examine the concepts of external validity and generalizability, and explore strategies to strengthen generalizability of research findings, because of increasing demands for knowledge utilization in an evidence-based practice environment.

Framework

The concepts of external validity and generalizability are examined, considering theoretical aspects of external validity and conflicting demands for internal validity in research designs. Methodological approaches for controlling threats to external validity and strategies to enhance external validity and generalizability of findings are discussed.

Conclusions

Generalizability of findings is not assured even if internal validity of a research study is addressed effectively through design. Strict controls to ensure internal validity can compromise generalizability. Researchers can and should use a variety of strategies to address issues of external validity and enhance generalizability of findings. Enhanced external validity and assessment of generalizability of findings can facilitate more appropriate use of research findings.