What term describes whether a measure actually captures what it is intended to measure?

What term describes whether a measure actually captures what it is intended to measure?

• A. Measurement validity
• B. Face validity
• C. Content validity
• D. Criterion validity

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is validity: does the instrument actually measure what it’s supposed to measure? When we talk about measurement validity, we’re assessing whether the scores or results truly reflect the intended construct, not something else. Face validity looks at whether the measure seems appropriate on the surface, but that alone doesn’t prove it’s measuring the right thing. Content validity checks whether the items cover all parts of the construct, ensuring the measure isn’t missing important facets. Criterion validity examines how well the measure relates to an external standard or outcome you’d expect for the construct. These are important aspects, but the overarching term for whether the measure genuinely captures the intended concept is validity, and in the context of a measurement instrument, measurement validity specifies that accuracy.

The main idea here is validity: does the instrument actually measure what it’s supposed to measure? When we talk about measurement validity, we’re assessing whether the scores or results truly reflect the intended construct, not something else.

Face validity looks at whether the measure seems appropriate on the surface, but that alone doesn’t prove it’s measuring the right thing. Content validity checks whether the items cover all parts of the construct, ensuring the measure isn’t missing important facets. Criterion validity examines how well the measure relates to an external standard or outcome you’d expect for the construct. These are important aspects, but the overarching term for whether the measure genuinely captures the intended concept is validity, and in the context of a measurement instrument, measurement validity specifies that accuracy.