What does validity refer to in standardized testing?

• A. The fairness of the test questions
• B. The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure
• C. The average score in a test
• D. The number of test items included

Answer: (B)

Validity in standardized testing is fundamentally about the degree to which a test accurately assesses what it is designed to measure. When a test claims to evaluate a certain construct, such as mathematical ability, the validity of that test reflects how well it actually measures mathematical skills rather than other unrelated skills or attributes.

For instance, if a math test includes questions that require reading comprehension, the test may not accurately measure mathematical ability if a significant number of test-takers struggle with the language rather than the mathematics itself. Therefore, high validity ensures that the results of the test can be relied upon to reflect the true ability or trait it aims to measure, making the testing process more meaningful and useful for both educators and learners.

In contrast, while fairness of test questions, average scores, and the number of test items can influence the testing experience and outcomes, they do not directly address the core concept of whether a test accurately measures the intended construct. Thus, the focus on validity is crucial in developing and evaluating standardized tests.