Assessing social validity in clinical treatment research: issues and procedures

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1999 Jun;67(3):308-19. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.67.3.308.

Abstract

Social validity is a term coined by behavior analysts to refer to the social importance and acceptability of treatment goals, procedures, and outcomes. This article discusses dimensions of social validity, methods used to evaluate various aspects of social validity, and the applicability of these concepts and methods in clinical treatment research.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic / methods*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / methods
  • Goals*
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Psychotherapy / standards*
  • Research Design / standards*