Predictive validity describes how well a test score does what?

• A. Predict future performance on a task in the same domain.
• B. Aligns with another test measuring the same construct.
• C. Predicts a different construct entirely.
• D. Remains stable across different forms.

Answer: (A)

Predictive validity is the extent to which a test score forecast future performance on a criterion in the same domain. In practice, you administer the test now and later measure a relevant outcome that reflects the construct you’re assessing. A strong relationship between the test score and that future criterion indicates good predictive validity. For example, a language assessment that predicts later reading comprehension shows strong predictive validity if higher initial scores reliably correspond to better future performance. This differs from aligning with another test measuring the same construct (convergent validity), predicting a different construct (discriminant validity), or staying stable across forms (reliability).