There are eight factors that can threaten the internal validity of your research. However, the external validity diminishes because a lab environment is different than the outside world (that does have external influencing factors).Ī solution to this trade-off is to conduct the research first in a controlled (artificial) environment to establish the existence of a causal relationship, followed by a field experiment to analyze if the results hold in the real world. A lab setting ensures higher internal validity because external influences can be minimized. Trade-off exampleĪ causal relationship can be tested in an artificial lab setting or in the real world. The type of study you choose reflects the priorities of your research.
Trade-off between internal and external validityīetter internal validity often comes at the expense of external validity (and vice versa). Frequently asked questions about internal and external validity.Trade-off between internal and external validity.