What is a key advantage of using criterion-related validity?

The key advantage of criterion-related validity lies in its focus on assessing the effectiveness of a test in predicting specific outcomes associated with certain criteria. This form of validity demonstrates how well one measure predicts an outcome based on another well-established measure, allowing educators and researchers to determine the applicability of their assessments to real-world scenarios.

For instance, when a new literacy test is shown to correlate strongly with established assessments of reading ability, this indicates that the test is valid for predicting literacy-related outcomes. By establishing a relationship between the test scores and known criteria, educators can confidently use the test for specific purposes, such as identifying students who may need additional support or determining the effectiveness of instructional programs.

The other options, while relevant to testing, do not directly align with the primary benefit of criterion-related validity. For example, improving test reliability is more associated with consistency in measurement rather than the predictive effectiveness that criterion-related validity provides. Simplifying scoring procedures is a logistical consideration that does not inherently relate to validation, and offering a comprehensive description of performance speaks to a broader scope of assessment rather than the targeted evidence provided by criterion-related validity.