Validation Strategies

In the broadest sense, validation refers to the process of establishing the truth, accuracy, or soundness of some judgment, decision, or interpretation. In industrial and organizational psychology, validation generally focuses on the quality of interpretations drawn from psychological tests and other assessment procedures that are used as the basis for decisions about people’s work lives. The importance of understanding the validation process cannot be understated. In fact, the American Psychological Association, American Educational Research Association, and National Council on Measurement in Education’s Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing describe validity as “the most fundamental consideration in developing and evaluating tests.” Before discussing validation specifically, it is necessary to clarify some concepts that are integral to the process of decision making based on psychological testing.