The term validity in testing refers to what property?

The term validity in testing refers to what property?

• A. validity
• B. reliability
• C. norms
• D. bias

Answer: (A)

Validity asks if a test measures what it is supposed to measure and whether the interpretations of the scores are appropriate for the intended use. For example, a math test that aims to assess algebra should consist of items that require algebraic reasoning; if it ends up measuring reading speed instead, its validity is compromised. Reliability is about consistency of scores across items or administrations, but a test can be reliable yet invalid if it doesn’t target the right construct. Norms describe how scores compare to a reference group, and bias involves unfair differences across groups that aren’t tied to the construct. So validity is about the accuracy and justification of the inferences drawn from test scores regarding the intended construct.

Validity asks if a test measures what it is supposed to measure and whether the interpretations of the scores are appropriate for the intended use. For example, a math test that aims to assess algebra should consist of items that require algebraic reasoning; if it ends up measuring reading speed instead, its validity is compromised. Reliability is about consistency of scores across items or administrations, but a test can be reliable yet invalid if it doesn’t target the right construct. Norms describe how scores compare to a reference group, and bias involves unfair differences across groups that aren’t tied to the construct. So validity is about the accuracy and justification of the inferences drawn from test scores regarding the intended construct.