Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

If an SLP conducts a research study only on muscle tension dysphonia, what principle may be threatened?

1. internal validity

2. external validity

3. reliability

4. content validity

The correct answer is: external validity

The principle of external validity is primarily concerned with the generalizability of research findings beyond the specific study sample and context. When a study focuses exclusively on a particular condition, such as muscle tension dysphonia, the results may not be applicable to other populations or settings. This limitation arises because the unique characteristics of the study group may not represent the broader range of individuals who might also experience voice disorders. In contrast, internal validity refers to the accuracy of the study's findings regarding the relationship between variables within the study context. Reliability pertains to the consistency of the measurement tools used in the research, while content validity deals with how well the study measures the intended concept. While all these factors are essential in research design, concentrating solely on one narrow area can hinder the ability to apply those findings more widely, hence threatening external validity.