Validity
What it means
The quality of being sound, accurate, or justified.
Reach for it when assessing whether a claim, method, or inference is sound for its stated purpose
Fresh evidence strengthened the validity of the original conclusion.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional |
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| formal |
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everyday
accuracy
Fits when closeness to the true value is measurable
Careful Accurate data can support an invalid inference.
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everyday
correctness
Fits when a result matches the required answer
Careful Correctness can be accidental and method-free.
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professional
applicability
Fits when fitness for a particular case is the question
Careful Applicability does not show the method works.
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professional
credibility
Fits when believability of a source or account matters
Careful Credibility is a judgment and may precede proof.
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professional
soundness
Fits when reasoning withstands logical examination
Careful Soundness does not establish factual accuracy by itself.
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formal
force
Fits when a rule or argument has binding effect
Careful Force is narrower than general correctness.
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formal
Fits when rightful authority or acceptance is disputed
Careful Legitimacy concerns standing, not experimental design.
Opposites 3
- invalidity
- unsoundness
- inaccuracy
Common phrases 3
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construct validity
The study tested construct validity before comparing the two groups.
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question the validity
New timestamps led the panel to question the validity of the timeline.
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establish validity
Independent trials helped establish validity across different settings.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated