Which concept is demonstrated when a test measures the intended construct accurately?

Which concept is demonstrated when a test measures the intended construct accurately?

• A. Reliability
• B. Reproducibility
• C. Validity
• D. Sensitivity

Answer: (C)

Validity means the test measures exactly what it intends to measure. When a test is valid, the scores genuinely reflect the target attribute (like endurance, strength, or a specific skill), so inferences and decisions based on those scores are meaningful. A test can be reliable (produce consistent results) but still not be valid if it’s tapping the wrong attribute or is influenced by irrelevant factors. Reliability and reproducibility focus on consistency across trials or raters, while sensitivity is about detecting small changes, not about accurately measuring the intended construct.

Validity means the test measures exactly what it intends to measure. When a test is valid, the scores genuinely reflect the target attribute (like endurance, strength, or a specific skill), so inferences and decisions based on those scores are meaningful. A test can be reliable (produce consistent results) but still not be valid if it’s tapping the wrong attribute or is influenced by irrelevant factors. Reliability and reproducibility focus on consistency across trials or raters, while sensitivity is about detecting small changes, not about accurately measuring the intended construct.