What does content validity specifically measure?

Content validity specifically measures how well a test or assessment represents the entirety of a concept or domain that it is intended to measure. It is concerned with whether the assessment items align with the content that it claims to assess. In the context of evaluating observable behaviors, content validity ensures that there is an accurate reflection of the skills or knowledge that an individual is intended to demonstrate. This means that the items included in the test are relevant and appropriate for measuring the specific behaviors linked to the educational standards or learning outcomes.

This makes it crucial for assessments targeting specific skills or areas of knowledge, ensuring that they are not just measuring random aspects but are actually reflecting the intended constructs. For instance, if an assessment is meant to measure reading comprehension, content validity would entail that the test items directly relate to various aspects of that skill, such as understanding, analyzing, and interpreting texts.

By focusing on observable behaviors, it acknowledges the importance of practical applications in assessments, ensuring that what is being measured is actually relevant to the educational goals.