32: Validity: Measuring What We Intend to Measure

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Validity

  • Validity refers to measuring what we intend to measure.
  • If math and vocabulary truly represent intelligence then a math and vocabulary test might be said to have high validity when used as a measure of intelligence.
  • Imagine a test with only one question: “1 + 1 =    “
  • Is this a valid basic math question?
  • Is it a valid history question?
  • Does this represent a valid measure of intelligence?