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Intrinsic Versus Correlational Validity

Author(s):
Gulliksen, Harold O.
Publication Year:
1950
Report Number:
RB-50-37
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
17
Subject/Key Words:
Content Validity, Predictive Validity, Test Validity

Abstract

The values of psychological tests were assessed by comparing the test results with expert judgement. The most information about the criterion would be given if a comprehensive matrix of intercorrelations including both criterion and predictor variables were available. In the case of material taught in a course, it is possible to use tests given before and after training. An approach to assessing "intrinsic content validity" may be made by the use of many varied measures for evaluating any given criterion, a representative set of possible predictor variables, and a study of the results from pre-training and post-training tests. In order to develop well constructed achievement tests and those that represent exactly the course objectives, it is necessary to make training in item writing and examination evaluation part of the teacher-training curriculum. The correlations that we obtain need to be analyzed as to whether or not they represent an intrinsic relationship among variables or a fortuitous relationship. Achievement tests should be assessed in terms of intrinsic content validity; aptitude tests, intrinsic correlational validity. (SGK).

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