Criterion validity

Criterion validity involves the correlation between the test and a criterion variable (or variables) which are taken as representative of the construct.

There are two types of criterion validity:

1. Concurrent validity: Test data and criterion data are collected at the same time, e.g.,
   • Self-report and observer measures collected at the same time
2. Predictive validity: Test data is collected first in order to predict criterion data collected at a later point in time, e.g.,
   • Employee selection tests are often validated against measures of job performance.
   • Measures of risk of recidivism among those convicted of a crime can be validated against measures of recidivism.

• Validity