Which concept assesses whether a test accurately measures what it intends to?

The correct choice, which is construct validity, assesses whether a test accurately measures the theoretical construct or concept it is intended to measure. This type of validity examines the extent to which a test reflects the underlying theory associated with the construct in question. For example, if a test is designed to measure intelligence, construct validity would evaluate whether the test effectively captures the various dimensions of intelligence as defined by psychological theories.

Construct validity encompasses various aspects, including how well the test correlates with other measures of the same construct (convergent validity) and how well it differentiates between different constructs (discriminant validity). Establishing construct validity is crucial as it provides evidence that the interpretation and use of test scores are justified in relation to the construct being assessed.

Carrying a broader significance, construct validity ensures that a test is not only measuring what it is supposed to but also that it aligns with the appropriate theoretical frameworks, making it central to the credibility of psychological assessments.