Introduction
Validation tests are done to demonstrate the correlation of the test results and the variables such as employee performance. Validation of a test could be in the form of content, predictive or concurrent form. Test validation is aimed at verifying that the results are reliable enough to be used to make conclusions. There are traditional and standardized sources of evidence to prove if a test is valid. Psychologists use either of these methods to validate their tests.
The objective of validating a test is to ensure that the test was conducted correctly and the results are reliable. A reliable test result can be used to make conclusions. Psychologists undertake various processes to obtain evidence of validating their tests.
Sources of validity
Psychologists use traditional methods of validating tests. However, there are Standards for educational & psychological testing. The two sources of validation can be compared in different ways. Both approaches lead to same results of test validation because they are correct.
However, standardized sources of validation evidence are arranged in a fixed format where practitioners have to follow an established procedure to find evidence. Using standardized sources, psychologists have to start with general relationships, establish constructs to generalize and then test the relationship. It is only then that a conclusion can be made on whether there is a link between cause and effect. Standardized sources include test contents, variable relationships and internal structure evidence. However, traditional sources of validity are independent of one another. The practitioner uses different tests to validate a test. They include interest, economic and reliability sources.
Conclusion
Therefore, traditional sources of obtaining validity evidence are less procedural and can be applied without adhering to a strict process. Standardized sources adhere to a strict process to obtain evidence. Test validity is conducted to ensure that a test’s results are reliable enough to be used to make conclusions.
References
MCintire, S. A., & Miller, L. A. (2007). Foundations of psychological testing: A practical approach (2nd Edition ed.). London: Thousand Oaks CA: Sage.
Schultz, K. S., & Whitney, D. J. (2005). Measurement theory in action: Case studies and exercises. New York: Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
