However, criterion variables can be difficult to find. When your test agrees with the criterion variable, it has high criterion validity. If the scores of the two tests are close, then the college entry exam has criterion validity. The researcher can then compare the college entry exam scores of 100 students to their GPA after one semester in college. First-semester GPA can serve as the criterion variable, as it is an accepted measure of academic performance. Example: Criterion validityA researcher wants to know whether a college entrance exam is able to predict future academic performance. They comprise other tests that are widely accepted as valid measures of a construct. Criterion variables are often referred to as a “gold standard” measurement. To establish criterion validity, you need to compare your test results to criterion variables.

Concurrent validity measures tests and criterion variables in the present, while predictive validity measures those in the future. An outcome can be a disease, behavior, or performance.

Try for free What Is Criterion Validity? | Definition & ExamplesĬriterion validity (or criterion-related validity) evaluates how accurately a test measures the outcome it was designed to measure. non-probability samplingĮliminate grammar errors and improve your writing with our free AI-powered grammar checker.