What does the term "validity" refer to in assessment?

The term "validity" in assessment specifically refers to whether an assessment measures what it is intended to measure. This is a crucial aspect of any measurement tool because it determines the meaningfulness and usefulness of the assessment results. For example, a math test that includes questions on reading comprehension does not have validity in measuring mathematical skills accurately, as it strays from its intended purpose. Valid assessments ensure that the conclusions drawn from the results truly reflect the knowledge or skills that the assessment is designed to gauge.

In terms of its importance, validity encompasses several subtypes, including content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity, which respectively address different aspects of how well an assessment meets its intended goals. Therefore, establishing and supporting the validity of an assessment is fundamental to ensuring accurate and reliable results that can inform decisions based on the assessment outcomes.