Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

What type of validity evidence relies on a subjective appraisal of a test's content?

1. Criterion validity

2. Construct validity

3. Face validity

4. Content validity

The correct answer is: Face validity

Face validity refers to the extent to which a test appears, at face value, to measure what it is intended to measure. This type of validity relies heavily on subjective appraisal, as it is based on the observer's initial impression and understanding of the test items. Even though this perception does not involve rigorous statistical analysis or correlation with other assessments, it plays a significant role in establishing the credibility and acceptability of a test among users. For instance, if a math test includes problems that clearly relate to mathematical concepts, stakeholders might intuitively feel that the test is valid for measuring math skills. This subjective nature distinguishes face validity from other forms of validity like criterion or construct validity, which are established through more objective and empirical means. In contrast, content validity evaluates the extent to which the test items represent the entire domain of the subject matter and requires a deeper analysis of the test content. Therefore, face validity is specifically associated with the superficial perception of a test's relevance and appropriateness, making it the correct choice in this context.