Validity is defined as

• A. the extent to which a test measures or predicts what it is supposed to
• B. consistency of measurement
• C. the degree of agreement between scorers
• D. the ability to administer the test quickly

Answer: (A)

Validity refers to the accuracy of the inferences drawn from test scores—whether the test actually measures what it claims to measure or predicts the outcomes it’s designed to predict. If a test is valid for a purpose, its results should meaningfully reflect the attribute or criterion of interest. For example, a reading comprehension test that aligns with classroom goals and relates to later reading achievement demonstrates validity for that purpose. In contrast, reliability means the scores are consistent across occasions or raters; the degree of agreement between scorers is about how similarly different people score the same responses, which is a separate quality. The ability to administer the test quickly speaks to practicality, not validity.