content validity

n. Content validity is the extent to which test items match or align with the target topic, performance, or content domain. Content validity relies on the ability of test items to measure the full content domain implied by the construct label, a task that can be particularly challenging when determining the criteria necessary to represent the full domain of abstract psychological constructs. For example, if one were developing a measure of self-esteem, content validity would focus on the extent to which test items effectively measure all aspects relevant to self-esteem. Generally, content validity is established via expert analysis relevant to the target construct. For example, the content validity of a subject test on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) may be established by a committee of teachers who can provide expert analysis of the relevance of the items to measure all relevant subject factors.

- BJM