Which example best illustrates predictive validity?

Which example best illustrates predictive validity?

• A. A test that correlates with a measure that has previously been validated
• B. A test used to predict future job performance
• C. The consistency of test scores across administrations
• D. The extent to which a measure represents all facets of a concept

Answer: (B)

Predictive validity is about how well a test score forecasts a future outcome. Using a test to predict future job performance shows this directly: the test is taken now, and its ability to predict how someone will perform later is what’s being measured. A strong relationship between the test score and later performance indicates good predictive validity. Other ideas touch on different validity or reliability concepts. Correlating a test with a previously validated measure points to criterion-related validity, but it doesn’t inherently require a future outcome. Consistency of scores across administrations reflects reliability (test-retest). Representing all facets of a concept relates to content validity.

Predictive validity is about how well a test score forecasts a future outcome. Using a test to predict future job performance shows this directly: the test is taken now, and its ability to predict how someone will perform later is what’s being measured. A strong relationship between the test score and later performance indicates good predictive validity.

Other ideas touch on different validity or reliability concepts. Correlating a test with a previously validated measure points to criterion-related validity, but it doesn’t inherently require a future outcome. Consistency of scores across administrations reflects reliability (test-retest). Representing all facets of a concept relates to content validity.