A study is considered to be _____________ when it can produce unbiased conclusions about a target population.

When a study is referred to as externally valid, it signifies that the findings and conclusions drawn from the study can be generalized to a broader population beyond the specific sample that was studied. This aspect of validity ensures that the results can apply to the target population and are not confined to the peculiarities of the subjects involved in the research. Achieving external validity is essential for making claims that can resonate with a wider audience, which is fundamental in fields such as healthcare and public policy.

While internal validity focuses on the degree to which a study accurately reflects the relationship between variables within the study's context, it does not necessarily guarantee that the findings will hold true outside of that context. Reliability pertains to the consistency of a measure or research finding over time, and being scientific pertains to the use of systematic methods for investigation. However, these concepts do not directly address the ability to produce unbiased conclusions that are applicable to a larger group. Thus, the definition of external validity specifically fits the requirement of producing unbiased conclusions about a target population.