In the context of educational research, what is a common indicator of external validity?

A common indicator of external validity in educational research is indeed related to the diversity of the sample population. External validity refers to the extent to which the findings of a study can be generalized to populations, settings, or times beyond the specific conditions studied. A diverse sample population can enhance the ability to generalize findings across different groups, demographics, and contexts.

In educational research, where the aim often includes applying findings to various educational settings, having a representative sample that reflects the wider population is crucial. This diversity helps researchers ensure that their conclusions are not narrowly applicable or limited to a specific group, thus supporting the broader applicability of the research outcomes.

While the other factors mentioned—such as reliability of measurement tools, consistency of results, and clarity of research hypothesis—are important in ensuring the quality and integrity of the research itself, they do not directly address generalizability to different populations or settings in the way that a diverse sample does. Therefore, the diversity of the sample population stands out as a key indicator of external validity.