Which option correctly pairs the validity types described as: correlation of test scores with a criterion measured at the same time, and correlation with future performance?

Which option correctly pairs the validity types described as: correlation of test scores with a criterion measured at the same time, and correlation with future performance?

• A. Concurrent Validity and Predictive Validity
• B. Construct Validity and Content Validity
• C. Face Validity and Criterion Validity
• D. External Validity and Internal Validity

Answer: (A)

In criterion-related validity, we look at how well a test’s scores relate to an external criterion. The description here matches two specific forms of that type. When the criterion is measured at the same time as the test, that relationship is concurrent validity. When the criterion is measured in the future to see if the test score can predict future performance, that relationship is predictive validity. Together, they describe how well the test aligns with real-world outcomes both now and later. For example, a clinical skills assessment given today and compared to current patient outcomes demonstrates concurrent validity. A version of the same test given today and later used to predict future job performance or therapy success demonstrates predictive validity. The other terms—construct validity, content validity, face validity, or distinctions like external vs internal validity—address different questions about what the test measures or how the study is designed, not how test scores relate to an external criterion over time.

In criterion-related validity, we look at how well a test’s scores relate to an external criterion. The description here matches two specific forms of that type. When the criterion is measured at the same time as the test, that relationship is concurrent validity. When the criterion is measured in the future to see if the test score can predict future performance, that relationship is predictive validity. Together, they describe how well the test aligns with real-world outcomes both now and later.

For example, a clinical skills assessment given today and compared to current patient outcomes demonstrates concurrent validity. A version of the same test given today and later used to predict future job performance or therapy success demonstrates predictive validity.

The other terms—construct validity, content validity, face validity, or distinctions like external vs internal validity—address different questions about what the test measures or how the study is designed, not how test scores relate to an external criterion over time.