Which concept asks whether a test measures what it is intended to measure, ensuring instructions are understood and there is no unintended overlap?

• A. Construct validity
• B. Content validity
• C. Reliability
• D. Face validity

Answer: (A)

Construct validity focuses on whether a test actually measures the intended trait or construct and not something else. It also considers how the test is interpreted by respondents, so clear instructions and item wording ensure responses reflect the target construct rather than unintended factors. In addition, it covers the idea of not overlapping with other constructs, which is about discriminating the measured trait from other related abilities or qualities.

If a test truly taps the intended construct and responds in predictable ways with related measures while avoiding overlap with unrelated constructs, it demonstrates good construct validity. By contrast, content validity is about whether the test covers the right domain of material, reliability is about consistency of scores, and face validity is about whether the test appears appropriate to test-takers, which don’t fully address whether the test measures the right construct or avoids unwanted overlap.