What constitutes an external threat to validity?

An external threat to validity refers to factors that can limit the generalizability of research findings beyond the specific context in which the study was conducted. When incorrect inferences are drawn from sample data, it indicates that the conclusions drawn may not accurately reflect the larger population, thereby compromising the ability to apply those findings universally. This misinterpretation can stem from various issues related to sampling methods, representation, or the generalizability of the results to different settings or populations.

In contrast, biases introduced during data collection primarily affect the internal validity of a study. Variability in participant responses may highlight differences across individuals, which can be useful for understanding the data within the sample but does not inherently represent an external threat. Consistent coding of qualitative data relates to ensuring reliability within the study but does not pertain to the external validity of the findings. External validity is emphasized when considering how well results can be applied outside the specific experimental conditions.