Understanding Different Types of Validity in Research

Traditionally, experimentalists strive for internal validity, which enables clear causal conclusions, discrimination of constructs, and predictions regarding future performance.

Learning sciences researchers instead often emphasize an aspect of external validity: ecological validity (i.e., the assessment’s alignment with realistic contexts of learning).

Recently, developmental scientists Hirsh-Pasek, Kochanoff, Newcombe, and deVilliers (2005) introduced the concept of empirical validity to stress that assessments should be based on solid research foundations.