Which validity type assesses whether test scores measure the intended construct, such as intelligence?

Which validity type assesses whether test scores measure the intended construct, such as intelligence?

• A. Construct validity
• B. Content validity
• C. Concurrent validity
• D. Generalizability

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is whether the test scores truly measure the intended psychological construct—in this case, intelligence. Construct validity looks for evidence that the test taps the construct and not something else. This includes showing that scores relate to other measures of intelligence as expected (convergent validity), do not relate to measures of different constructs (discriminant validity), and that the test’s internal structure fits the idea of intelligence (for example, items loading on a common factor). It may also involve known-groups evidence, where groups known to differ on intelligence show corresponding score differences. Content validity focuses on whether the test content covers the domain of intelligence, which is about scope rather than proving the construct itself. Concurrent validity involves how well the test correlates with a criterion measured at the same time, which is part of validating a test but does not by itself establish the broader construct validity. Generalizability concerns whether findings apply across different populations or settings, not whether the test measures the intended construct.

The main idea being tested is whether the test scores truly measure the intended psychological construct—in this case, intelligence. Construct validity looks for evidence that the test taps the construct and not something else. This includes showing that scores relate to other measures of intelligence as expected (convergent validity), do not relate to measures of different constructs (discriminant validity), and that the test’s internal structure fits the idea of intelligence (for example, items loading on a common factor). It may also involve known-groups evidence, where groups known to differ on intelligence show corresponding score differences.

Content validity focuses on whether the test content covers the domain of intelligence, which is about scope rather than proving the construct itself. Concurrent validity involves how well the test correlates with a criterion measured at the same time, which is part of validating a test but does not by itself establish the broader construct validity. Generalizability concerns whether findings apply across different populations or settings, not whether the test measures the intended construct.