Introduction
The validity and reliability of testing measures are critical elements for verifying the relevance of a work item definition. Regardless of which method of assessing prospective employees is used by the employer, any measurement must be valid and reliable. Both concepts remain important for interviews as well as for tests and other assessment methods (Picardi, 2019, 234). Validity is a mandatory factor that determines the accuracy of a measurement, while reliability demonstrates its consistency.
Defining Validity: Types and Importance in Data Analysis
Construct Validity
The means of measurement must be effective, correspond to what is being measured, and give the same assessment with each new introduction. Construct validity is a form of validity that specifies the subject matter to be measured, such as leadership qualities (Picardi, 2019, 234). This type of validity is essential for understanding what will be measured by defining the concept one is looking for.
Convergent and Discriminant Validity
Convergent validity defines the degree to which a new measure must be positively correlated with an existing measure established to assess the same concept (Picardi, 2019, 235). Discriminant validity determines how well a chosen test measures what it was designed to measure (Picardi, 2019, 235). Convergent and discriminant validity are essential for new tests to measure the desired quality equally well.
Content and Criterion Validity
Content validity refers to how well the tool evaluates all the critical parts of the measured concept. Content validity is important because it determines whether the content of the measurement tool is representative of the content of the work (Picardi, 2019, 235). Criterion validity indicates how accurately a test measures a specified criterion based on performance (Picardi, 2019, 236). This is necessary for any selection method, as it provides a rationale that the test is suitable for determining a clear match.
Concurrent and Predictive Validity
Concurrent validity determines the extent to which a test can assess the measure of effectiveness currently being demonstrated (Picardi, 2019, 236). Predictive validity determines how accurate a measurement is for predicting a person’s future performance (Picardi, 2019, 237). Concurrent and predictive validity are essential because they allow one to design a test that effectively assesses current fit and predicts future possibilities.
Exploring Reliability: Key Measures and Their Role in Research
Test-Retest Reliability
Reliability allows one to ensure the fairness and consistency of the test. One of the required types is test-retest reliability. It helps evaluate the effectiveness of a test over time after repeated testing on several people (Picardi, 2019, 237). This is necessary because it verifies the validity of the measurement criteria, regardless of the person being tested.
Alternative/Parallel Forms and Split-Halves Reliability
Alternative/parallel forms reliability measures how different versions of the same tool perform on the same person (Picardi, 2019, 238). It determines the appropriateness and effectiveness of the type of testing chosen. Split-halves reliability demonstrates that the two parts of the test accurately estimate what is being measured (Picardi, 2019, 238). This type indicates that all items are focused on the construct.
Inter-item and Interrater Reliability
Inter-item reliability demonstrates the consistency of test items (Picardi, 2019, 238). Such an assessment is necessary because it ensures the reliability of all test elements. Finally, interrater reliability measures the agreement between observers assessing the same phenomena (Picardi, 2019, 239). This is one of the most critical indicators that determine the honest and fair treatment of all candidates in the testing process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, an effective evaluation measure must be valid and reliable when interviewing or testing candidates. A well-designed selection test will allow it to be effective, meet the company’s goals and expectations from job duties. A measure of validity and reliability will be a fair tool that will keep all candidates treated equally while allowing the company to select the most appropriate individual for the desired position.
Reference
Picardi, C. A. (2019). Recruitment and selection: Strategies for workforce planning & assessment. SAGE Publications.