Criterion-related validity is a type of validity that assesses the extent to which a test or measure correlates with an external criterion. This criterion is typically a measure of job performance or other real-world outcome. Criterion-related validity studies involve comparing the scores of individuals on a test or measure to their scores on the external criterion. The correlation between the two sets of scores indicates the validity of the test or measure. Criterion-related validity is an important concept in psychometrics and is used to assess the effectiveness of tests and measures.
Defining Criterion-Related Validity
Criterion-related validity is an important concept in measurement that assesses the effectiveness of a measure or test by comparing it to an outside criterion. A criterion is a measure or standard that is used to determine the validity of a measure or test. There are two main types of criterion-related validity:
1. Concurrent Validity
- This type of validity is assessed by comparing the scores on a measure or test to the scores on a criterion measure that is obtained at the same time.
- For example, if you are developing a new test to measure anxiety, you could assess its concurrent validity by comparing the scores on the test to the scores on an established anxiety scale that is administered at the same time.
2. Predictive Validity
- This type of validity is assessed by comparing the scores on a measure or test to the scores on a criterion measure that is obtained at a later time.
- For example, if you are developing a new test to predict college success, you could assess its predictive validity by comparing the scores on the test to the students’ college GPAs.
The table below summarizes the key differences between concurrent and predictive validity:
| Characteristic | Concurrent Validity | Predictive Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Timing of criterion measure | Obtained at the same time as the measure or test | Obtained at a later time than the measure or test |
| Purpose | To assess the current validity of a measure or test | To assess the future validity of a measure or test |
The following are some of the most important factors to consider when assessing criterion-related validity:
- Reliability: The reliability of a measure or test refers to the consistency of its scores. A measure or test that is not reliable will not be valid.
- Sample size: The sample size used to assess criterion-related validity should be large enough to provide reliable results.
- Appropriateness of the criterion: The criterion measure that is used to assess criterion-related validity should be appropriate for the purpose of the study.
- Validity of the criterion: The criterion measure that is used to assess criterion-related validity should be valid.
Criterion-related validity is an important concept in measurement that can be used to assess the effectiveness of a measure or test. By considering the factors discussed above, you can ensure that you are assessing criterion-related validity in a reliable and valid way.
Question 1: What is the definition of criterion-related validity?
Answer: Criterion-related validity is a type of validity that assesses the extent to which a test or measure correlates with an external criterion that is considered a valid measure of the construct being measured.
Question 2: How is concurrent criterion-related validity measured?
Answer: Concurrent criterion-related validity is measured by comparing the scores on a test or measure with the scores on a criterion measure that is administered at the same time.
Question 3: What is the difference between criterion-related validity and content-related validity?
Answer: Criterion-related validity assesses the extent to which a test or measure correlates with an external criterion, while content-related validity assesses the extent to which a test or measure adequately samples the content of the construct being measured.
And that’s the lowdown on criterion-related validity, folks! I hope you found this article helpful and that it aids you in your pursuit of assessing tests. Be sure to drop by again for more juicy tidbits of psychometric knowledge. Your brain will thank you!