In
psychometrics
Psychometrics is a field of study within psychology concerned with the theory and technique of measurement. Psychometrics generally covers specialized fields within psychology and education devoted to testing, measurement, assessment, and rela ...
, criterion validity, or criterion-related validity, is the extent to which an
operationalization
In research design, especially in psychology, social sciences, life sciences and physics, operationalization or operationalisation is a process of defining the measurement of a phenomenon which is not directly measurable, though its existence is ...
of a construct, such as a test, relates to, or predicts, a theoretically related behaviour or outcome — the criterion.
Criterion validity is often divided into concurrent and predictive validity based on the timing of measurement for the "predictor" and outcome.
refers to a comparison between the measure in question and an outcome assessed at the same time. ''
Standards for Educational & Psychological Tests'' states, "concurrent validity reflects only the status quo at a particular time."
, on the other hand, compares the measure in question with an outcome assessed at a later time. Although concurrent and predictive validity are similar, it is cautioned to keep the terms and findings separated. "Concurrent validity should not be used as a substitute for predictive validity without an appropriate supporting rationale."
[American Psychological Association, Inc. (1974). "Standards for educational & psychological tests" Washington D. C.: Author.] Criterion validity is typically assessed by comparison with a gold standard test.
An example of concurrent validity is a comparison of the scores of the
CLEP College Algebra exam with course grades in college algebra to determine the degree to which scores on the CLEP are related to performance in a college algebra class.
An example of predictive validity is a comparison of scores on the
SAT
The SAT ( ) is a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States. Since its debut in 1926, its name and Test score, scoring have changed several times. For much of its history, it was called the Scholastic Aptitude Test ...
with first semester
grade point average
Grading in education is the application of standardized Measurement, measurements to evaluate different levels of student achievement in a course. Grades can be expressed as letters (usually A to F), as a range (for example, 1 to 6), percentage ...
(GPA) in college; this assesses the degree to which SAT scores are predictive of college performance.
See also
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Construct validity
Construct validity concerns how well a set of indicators represent or reflect a concept that is not directly measurable. ''Construct validation'' is the accumulation of evidence to support the interpretation of what a measure reflects.Polit DF Bec ...
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Content validity
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Discriminant validity (divergent validity)
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Face validity
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Test validity
Test validity is the extent to which a test (such as a chemical test, chemical, physical test, physical, or test (assessment), scholastic test) accuracy and precision, accurately measures what it is supposed to measurement, measure. In the fields ...
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Validity (statistics)
Validity is the main extent to which a concept, conclusion, or measurement is well-founded and likely corresponds accurately to the real world. The word "valid" is derived from the Latin validus, meaning strong. The validity of a measurement tool ...
References
External links
A page detailing multiple validity points
Validity (statistics)
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