validity, construct

n. Construct validity is the extent to which a measure assesses the relevant underlying theoretical construct it is designed to measure. For example, if you are measuring intelligence, you would want to ensure that your measure effectively assesses the domain captured by intelligence yet is not influenced by other factors such as gender, language, or culture. Construct validity is established via the compilation and integration of multiple sources of evidence relying on both convergent and discriminant validity. Construct validity is demonstrated when there is evidence that the test measures what it is designed to measure as shown via correlations with similar constructs or tests (convergent validity), and evidence that the test does not measure unrelated or irrelevant constructs (discriminant validity). Construct validity relies on the clear operational definition of relevant terms, concepts, and measurable indicators. – BJM