What does content validity refer to?

Content validity refers to how well a measure or assessment evaluates the specific construct it is intended to assess. It is concerned with the extent to which the content of a test or instrument truly represents the domain or phenomenon it aims to measure. For example, if a test is designed to measure mathematical skills, content validity would ensure that the questions included in the test adequately cover the range of mathematical concepts and skills that are relevant to that subject area.

This concept is crucial in educational and psychological assessments, as it ensures that the tool being used provides an accurate representation of the skills or qualities it claims to measure. When content validity is strong, it indicates that the assessment is likely to produce valid results and meaningful insights about the subjects being evaluated.