Which validity is shown when a test reliably predicts job performance outcomes?

Which validity is shown when a test reliably predicts job performance outcomes?

• A. Criterion-related validity indicates the test predicts job performance outcomes.
• B. Content validity indicates the test predicts job performance outcomes.
• C. Reliability indicates the test predicts job performance outcomes.
• D. Face validity indicates the test predicts job performance outcomes.

Answer: (A)

When a test is shown to reliably predict job performance outcomes, the type of validity at work is criterion-related validity. This form of validity is about the relationship between test scores and an external performance criterion, such as actual job performance or supervisor ratings. If higher test scores consistently align with higher performance, the test demonstrates its usefulness for predicting who will do well on the job. Content validity, by contrast, is about whether the test content adequately covers the tasks of the job, not whether it predicts performance. Reliability concerns consistency of results across different administrations or scorers, not predictive accuracy. Face validity relates to whether the test appears to measure what it’s supposed to measure, which is a superficial judgment and doesn’t guarantee predictive power.

When a test is shown to reliably predict job performance outcomes, the type of validity at work is criterion-related validity. This form of validity is about the relationship between test scores and an external performance criterion, such as actual job performance or supervisor ratings. If higher test scores consistently align with higher performance, the test demonstrates its usefulness for predicting who will do well on the job.

Content validity, by contrast, is about whether the test content adequately covers the tasks of the job, not whether it predicts performance. Reliability concerns consistency of results across different administrations or scorers, not predictive accuracy. Face validity relates to whether the test appears to measure what it’s supposed to measure, which is a superficial judgment and doesn’t guarantee predictive power.