the degree to which a study or experiment is free from flaws in its internal structure and its results can therefore be taken to represent the true nature of the phenomenon. In other words, internal validity pertains to the soundness of results obtained within the controlled conditions of a particular study, specifically with respect to whether one can draw reasonable conclusions about cause-and-effect relationships among variables. Compare external validity.
n. a set of study methods developed on the basis of research in cognitive psychology. The set represents six steps required for acquiring information: preview, question, read, reflect, recite, and review.