What does validity refer to in psychological testing?

Validity in psychological testing refers specifically to the extent to which a test measures the intended construct. This means that a valid test accurately assesses what it claims to measure. For instance, if a test is designed to measure anxiety levels, a valid test would truly reflect the levels of anxiety in individuals rather than unrelated factors.

The importance of validity lies in its ability to provide meaningful and interpretable results that can be applied in psychological practice. If a test is not valid, any conclusions drawn from the test results could be misleading or erroneous. Assessing validity involves various forms, such as content validity, construct validity, and criterion-related validity, each addressing different aspects of how well a test measures its intended target.

The other options, while related to testing, do not capture the essence of validity. The consistency of test results relates to reliability, the accuracy of the scoring process pertains to correctness in test administration, and variability in test administration refers to the potential influence of external factors on test results. These elements are important for ensuring the reliability and practicality of a test, but they do not define its validity.