What is external validity concerned with?

External validity focuses on the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized beyond the specific conditions and participants involved in that study. This concept is crucial because researchers aim to ensure that their conclusions can apply to broader populations, settings, or times, rather than being limited to just the sample studied. For example, if a counseling program is evaluated with a specific group of students, external validity addresses whether the results of that program would hold true for different groups, such as students from different schools or communities. This consideration is vital for establishing the relevance and applicability of research findings in real-world situations and ensuring that interventions or theories can effectively extend to various contexts.