How is validity best defined?

• A. The amount of change detected by a measurement
• B. The degree to which a meaningful interpretation can be made from a measurement
• C. The consistency of a test over time
• D. The generalization of findings from one sample to another

Answer: (B)

Validity is best defined as the degree to which a meaningful interpretation can be made from a measurement. This concept encompasses the idea that a test or assessment must accurately measure what it is intended to measure and that the results can sensibly be interpreted in the context for which the measurement was designed.

When we talk about validity, we're considering factors like how well the test aligns with theoretical constructs, how it performs in relation to other assessments, and whether it effectively predicts outcomes based on measured variables. For instance, if a standardized test claims to measure intelligence but only assesses rote memorization, it would lack validity because it does not truly measure the construct of intelligence as intended.

The other options highlight important aspects of testing but do not encapsulate the essence of validity as directly. Change detection pertains more to sensitivity and responsiveness of instruments rather than validity. Consistency over time relates to reliability, ensuring that tests produce stable results under consistent conditions, while generalization of findings is connected to external validity, which refers to how well conclusions can be applied beyond the specific study or sample. Thus, option B remains the most comprehensive definition of validity in the context of standardized testing and measurements.