What type of validity assesses how well a test predicts behavior it is designed to predict?

The type of validity that assesses how well a test predicts behavior it is designed to predict is predictive validity. This concept focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of a test in forecasting future performance or behaviors. For instance, if a standardized test is designed to predict how well a student will perform in college, predictive validity involves examining the correlation between test scores and actual college performance.

Predictive validity is a crucial aspect of testing because it ensures that the assessment is not only measuring knowledge or skills at a given moment but also has practical implications for future actions or outcomes. This aligns with the fundamental purpose of many psychological and educational tests, which is to provide insights about future behavior based on current assessments.