What aspect does validity refer to in testing?

Validity in testing is fundamentally concerned with the accuracy of the measurements obtained. Specifically, it refers to the extent to which a test measures what it is intended to measure. For example, if a test is designed to assess a person's mathematical ability, validity would refer to how well the test accurately reflects the individual’s mathematical skills, rather than measuring something else entirely.

In contrast, consistency of results over time pertains more to reliability rather than validity. Reliability measures the stability of test results under similar conditions, indicating whether the same results can be expected if the test is administered repeatedly.

The representativeness of the sample relates to the generalizability of the test results to a wider population, which is an important consideration but is separate from the concept of validity itself. A test can have a highly valid measure of a specific construct but may not apply broadly to the entire population if the sample used to develop the test was not representative.

Lastly, the reliability of the collected data is also distinct from validity. Reliability focuses on the consistency and dependability of the test results, while validity assesses whether the test truly measures what it claims to measure. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for evaluating tests and their appropriate use in various contexts.