What term describes the extent to which the content of a measure reflects the construct it is intended to measure?

The correct answer relates to the concept of content validity. Content validity assesses how well the items on a measure represent the entire construct that is intended to be evaluated. It ensures that the measure covers all relevant aspects of the construct and that the items are appropriately selected to reflect that construct.

For example, if a test is designed to measure mathematical ability, it should include a range of questions that cover different areas of mathematics, such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. A measure with high content validity will comprehensively reflect the construct being assessed, making it valid for its intended purpose.

While face validity refers to how plausible or reasonable a measure appears at first glance, it does not scientifically validate that the measure provides appropriate coverage of the construct. Predictive validity is concerned with how well a measure can predict future performance or behavior, and construct validity evaluates whether the test truly measures the theoretical construct it claims to measure. Each of these other types of validity serves its purpose, but content validity specifically addresses the extent to which the instrument captures the complete concept.