NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

Which type of validity involves items adhering to an underlying construct that guides the purpose of a test?

1. Content validity

2. Construct validity

3. Face validity

4. Criterion-related validity

The correct answer is: Construct validity

The correct answer is construct validity, which refers to the degree to which a test measures the theoretical construct or trait that it is intended to measure. This type of validity is essential because it ensures that the test items are not only relevant but also appropriately reflect the complexity and nuances of the underlying construct. For a test to have strong construct validity, the items included must align well with the theoretical concepts being assessed. This means the items should relate to the construct in a way that is meaningful and significant, indicating that the test is truly capturing what it aims to measure. For instance, if a language proficiency test claims to measure speaking skills, the test items should effectively sample and represent various aspects of speaking ability, such as pronunciation, fluency, and coherence. In contrast, the other types of validity focus on different aspects of test assessment. Content validity concerns the extent to which the test items cover the subject matter fully and appropriately. Face validity is about how suitable the test appears on the surface for its intended purpose. Criterion-related validity involves the relationship between test scores and performance on a specific criterion measure, such as predicting future performance. These distinctions highlight the unique role of construct validity in ensuring that a test is a true reflection of the theoretical construct it intends to measure