Type | Concern |
---|---|
Samples | Does this apply to a different population? |
Contexts | Does this apply in a different setting? |
Treatments | Do they resemble real-world phenomena? |
Outcomes | Do they reflect actual behaviors? |
The Merits of Externally Invalid Survey Experiments
Gustavo Diaz
McMaster University
gustavodiaz.org
diazg2@mcmaster.ca
Slides: gustavodiaz.org/talk
Limitations
. . .
“Future research should confirm if our findings generalize…”
- …with a representative sample
- …in other countries
- …beyond the survey setting
- …when using behavioral outcomes
Usual workflow
Research idea
Realize resource/ethical/practical limitations
Conduct experiment with limitations
Wave hands about external validity
Recent trends
Recent trends
Recent trends
Goal
Should we ever implement an externally invalid survey experiment on purpose?
Identify what makes external invalidity desirable
Challenge: Different kinds of external (in)validity
External validity concerns
See Shadish et al (2002) and Egami and Hartmant (2023) for details
External validity concerns
Type | Concern |
---|---|
Samples | Does this apply to a different population? |
Contexts | Does this apply in a different setting? |
Treatments | Do they resemble real-world phenomena? |
Outcomes | Do they reflect actual behaviors? |
See Shadish et al (2002) and Egami and Hartmant (2023) for details
External validity concerns
Type | Concern |
---|---|
Samples | Does this apply to a different population? |
Contexts | Does this apply in a different setting? |
Treatments | Do they resemble real-world phenomena? |
Outcomes | Do they reflect actual behaviors? |
See Shadish et al (2002) and Egami and Hartmant (2023) for details
External validity concerns
Type | Concern |
---|---|
Samples | Does this apply to a different population? |
Contexts | Does this apply in a different setting? |
Treatments | Do they resemble real-world phenomena? |
Outcomes | Do they reflect actual behaviors? |
See Shadish et al (2002) and Egami and Hartmant (2023) for details
External validity concerns
Type | Concern |
---|---|
Samples | Does this apply to a different population? |
Contexts | Does this apply in a different setting? |
Treatments | Do they resemble real-world phenomena? |
Outcomes | Do they reflect actual behaviors? |
See Shadish et al (2002) and Egami and Hartmant (2023) for details
Examples
Samples
Samples
Contexts
Contexts
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were selected for their theoretical case value;
Contexts
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were selected for their theoretical case value; both are high in gender inegalitarianism, and they offer tough tests.
Contexts
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were selected for their theoretical case value; both are high in gender inegalitarianism, and they offer tough tests. In addition, while these neighboring countries have much in common, both resource-rich and highly conservative, they also differ in important ways.
Contexts
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were selected for their theoretical case value; both are high in gender inegalitarianism, and they offer tough tests. In addition, while these neighboring countries have much in common, both resource-rich and highly conservative, they also differ in important ways. Thus, if similar results are found, the case for generalizability across different interaction types and varying national circumstances will be strengthened.
Treatments
Treatments
Outcomes
Outcomes
Conclusion
Invalid | Benefit |
---|---|
Samples | Contour generalizations |
Contexts | Contour generalizations |
Treatments | Statistical properties |
Outcomes | Hypothetical/rare scenarios |
. . .
Endline: Consider merits before implementation
What would persuade you to embrace external invalidity?
Learn more: gustavodiaz.org