What does validity measure in standardized tests?

Validity in standardized tests fundamentally refers to the extent to which a test measures what it purports to measure. When a test claims to assess a certain construct, such as mathematical ability or reading comprehension, validity ensures that the test items effectively and accurately reflect that construct. For example, a math test should consist of problems that actually test mathematical reasoning and skills, not unrelated topics.

To establish validity, various methods can be employed, such as content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity. Content validity examines whether the content of the test covers the intended domain comprehensively. Criterion-related validity assesses how well test results correlate with other measures of the same construct. Construct validity ensures that the test aligns with theoretical expectations regarding the construct being measured. Therefore, claiming that the test accurately measures what it is designed to measure is essential for ensuring that the results can be interpreted correctly and applied in meaningful ways.