What must be true for a test to be considered valid?

• A. It must be administered only once
• B. It must yield results that are consistent across different populations
• C. It must be reliable
• D. It must have a clear and comprehensive scoring system

Answer: (C)

For a test to be considered valid, it is essential that it demonstrates reliability. Reliability refers to the consistency of the test results when repeated under similar conditions. If a test is not reliable, it cannot produce dependable outcomes, and therefore any conclusions or decisions based on those results may be erroneous. Validity asserts that the test measures what it is intended to measure, and without reliable measurements, any claims about validity become questionable. Reliable tests form the foundation upon which validity is built, ensuring that the test consistently evaluates the same constructs or skills over time.

While other attributes, such as scoring systems and consistency across populations, contribute to a test's overall quality, they do not specifically define validity as strongly as the criterion of reliability does.