In the context of validity, what is meant by 'construct validity'?

Construct validity refers to how well a test measures the theoretical construct that it is intended to measure. This involves evaluating whether the test aligns with the specific concept or trait it purports to assess. For instance, if a test is designed to measure mathematical ability, strong construct validity would mean that the test indeed accurately measures mathematical skills rather than unrelated abilities.

In achieving construct validity, researchers often examine the relationships between the test in question and other established measures of the same construct, ensuring that the outcomes are as expected based on theoretical frameworks. Thus, the primary focus of construct validity is on the extent to which a test genuinely captures the underlying concept it is meant to measure.

The other options focus on different aspects of validity in assessment. The accuracy of inferences based on test scores pertains to the overall evaluation of test validity but does not specifically define construct validity. Well-defined standards for assessment relate to consistency and reliability, whereas predicting future outcomes is more closely aligned with predictive validity rather than construct validity.