How is the accuracy and trustworthiness of an experiment evaluated?

The evaluation of accuracy and trustworthiness in an experiment is fundamentally tied to the concept of validity. Validity refers to the extent to which an experiment measures what it intends to measure. When an experiment is valid, the results can be considered based on the hypothesis it was designed to test. Validity encompasses both internal factors—such as the control of variables and the choice of appropriate methods—and external factors, including how well the results can be generalized to broader contexts.

While factors like reliability of results, precision of measurements, and reproducibility of findings all contribute to the overall strength of scientific data, they are more specific concepts. Reliability focuses on the consistency of results over repeated experiments, precision relates to the exactness of measurements, and reproducibility refers to the ability of different researchers to achieve the same results under the same conditions. These elements are essential for ensuring that the findings are sound, yet they do not directly assess whether the experiment is accurately aligned with the intended research question. Validity is the overarching criterion that offers assurance that conclusions drawn from the experiment are justifiable.