What is predictive validity concerned with?

Predictive validity is fundamentally about how well a test or assessment can forecast a specific outcome or behavior based on current scores. This type of validity assesses the relationship between the scores obtained from a test and criteria measured at a future point in time. Essentially, it helps determine whether high or low scores on a particular assessment are indicative of how individuals will perform in future scenarios, such as academic success, job performance, or other relevant outcomes.

This aspect of validity is crucial in educational settings to ensure that assessments are not only measuring what they intend to measure but are also capable of providing insights into how students might perform in the future based on their current standings. For example, a standardized test that accurately predicts which students will succeed in a rigorous academic program demonstrates strong predictive validity.