Which type of validity involves comparing a test to an external criterion?

• A. Criterion validity
• B. Content validity
• C. Predictive validity
• D. Construct validity

Answer: (A)

Criterion validity is about how well a test’s results align with an external standard that represents the trait or ability the test aims to measure. By comparing the test scores to an outside criterion—such as actual job performance, real-world outcomes, or an established measure—you can see whether the test behaves as expected in practical terms. Predictive validity is a specific kind of criterion validity that looks at how well the test forecasts future performance, while concurrent validity uses a current criterion. Content validity checks whether the test items adequately cover the domain of interest, and construct validity examines whether the test truly measures the intended theoretical construct. So, comparing to an external criterion identifies alignment with an independent standard, which is criterion validity.