What type of validity measures the ability of test scores to predict future performance?

Predictive validity refers to the extent to which test scores can forecast future performance. It establishes a relationship between an individual's current test results and their subsequent achievements or behaviors in a future context. For instance, if a standardized test is designed to assess aptitude for a specific field, predictive validity would involve demonstrating that those who score well on the test tend to excel in that field later on. This type of validity is critical in various settings, such as educational assessments or employment tests, where the goal is to identify individuals who will succeed based on their current capabilities.

In contrast, the other types of validity address different aspects: internal validity focuses on whether the study’s design allows for causal conclusions, external validity pertains to the generalizability of findings beyond the specific circumstances of the study, and concurrent validity assesses how well a test correlates with a benchmark measure taken at the same time. Each of these concepts serves a unique purpose, but when it comes to predicting future performance, predictive validity is the relevant measure.