Consequential Validity

The consequential basis of test validity originally addressed the value implications of test interpretations and the social consequences of test use in specific situations. In the context of program evaluation, consequential validity refers to the value implications and social consequences associated with evaluation conclusions and utility. For example, a program evaluation of the impact of expanded social services that ignores the insights of program users or implements culturally insensitive data collection procedures is likely to produce conclusions and recommendations that misrepresent the object of the evaluation and the misappropriation of subsequent social service resources.