Define construct validity and name a method to assess it.

• A. Construct validity is determined solely by reliability.
• B. Convergent and discriminant validity, along with factor analysis.
• C. Construct validity is assessed using test-retest reliability alone.
• D. Construct validity is identical to content validity.

Answer: (B)

Construct validity is about whether a test actually measures the theoretical concept it’s intended to measure. To assess this, you examine how the measure relates to other variables in the ways your theory predicts. Convergent validity means the test should correlate highly with other established measures of the same construct. Discriminant validity means it should not correlate strongly with measures of different constructs. Together, these patterns show the measure is capturing the intended concept rather than something else. Factor analysis adds to the evidence by showing the test items cluster together on factors that match the theorized structure of the construct, indicating the items collectively reflect the underlying concept. Remember, reliability speaks to consistency, not whether the test measures the right construct, and content validity concerns whether the test covers the relevant domain rather than how it relates to other constructs. So, using convergent and discriminant validity alongside factor analysis provides solid support for construct validity.