In psychological testing, what is the meaning of validity?

Validity in psychological testing refers to the accuracy of what a test measures. This concept is fundamental because a test needs to measure what it claims to measure in order to be considered useful and relevant. For example, a standardized test designed to assess mathematical ability should accurately evaluate the test-taker's math skills rather than factors unrelated to math, such as reading comprehension or general intelligence.

When we say a test is valid, we indicate that the results can be interpreted meaningfully in the context for which the test is intended. Various forms of validity exist, including content validity (does the test cover the appropriate content?), construct validity (does the test measure the theoretical concept it purports to?), and criterion-related validity (do test scores correlate with relevant outcomes?).

It's essential for psychological assessments to maintain validity because high validity ensures that the conclusions drawn from a test provide an accurate representation of the area being measured, leading to better informed decisions in educational, clinical, or organizational settings.