What is Validity?

Validity is a mighty big word. It seems to have its own meaning for each subject, though most center on the notions of correctness, consistency, conformity, and accuracy.  In fact, just Google, “whatchacallit validity” to get another definition.  Below are a few notions of important definitions.

a.       As a state, as in being authentic or genuine.

b.       As a force, for example legally.

c.       As a measurement, as implying it does measure what is purported.

d.       In research, as in the accuracy of measurements.

e.       As proof, as in obeying the laws of accepted logic and premises.

f.        As approved, as by an authority.

g.       In statistics, as following and satisfying statistical tests.

h.       In methodology, as in properly observing accepted procedures.

i.         In prediction, as in how a test predicts another criterion.

j.         In construct, as in the degree to which inferences can be made or how two tests closely compare. i.e. correlation.

k.       In face, as in which procedure appears most effective

l.         In truth, as satisfying accepted criteria.

Validity works hard in sciences of all types, math, measurement, and everything else.