In the context of AP Psychology, which of the following best defines validity in psychological testing?

• A. The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure
• B. The consistency of test results over time
• C. The ability of a test to produce different results for different people
• D. The process of administering a test to a large group to establish norms

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that validity in psychological testing refers to how well a test measures what it is intended to measure.
2. Recognize that validity is different from reliability, which is about the consistency of test results over time.
3. Eliminate options that describe reliability (consistency over time) or other unrelated concepts like norming (administering to a large group to establish norms).
4. Focus on the option that highlights the test's accuracy in measuring the specific psychological construct it claims to assess.
5. Conclude that the best definition of validity is 'The extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure.'