Which term refers to the ability of a new test to correlate highly with an established measure?

The term that refers to the ability of a new test to correlate highly with an established measure is concurrent validity. This concept is important in psychological research and assessment because it demonstrates that the new test is effectively measuring what it intends to measure as supported by its relationship with a previously validated test.

When a new test is developed, researchers often want to establish its validity by comparing it to an existing measure that has already been accepted as valid. If the scores on the new test correspond closely with the scores on the established test when they are administered around the same time, this indicates that the new measure is tapping into the same constructs. Therefore, high correlation in this context bolsters confidence in the new test’s validity.

In contrast, face validity deals with the superficial appearance of a test to see whether it appears to measure what it claims at first glance. Content validity focuses on whether the test covers a representative sample of the subject it aims to measure, rather than establishing a relationship with another measure. Construct validity assesses whether a test truly measures the concept it is intended to measure, requiring more extensive analysis beyond mere correlation with an established test. Concurrent validity specifically highlights the alignment of a new instrument with an existing one, making it crucial for establishing the new test's