Which type of validity assesses how well a test predicts future performance?

The type of validity that assesses how well a test predicts future performance is criterion-related validity. This form of validity is concerned with the correlation between a test's scores and the performance outcomes it is intended to predict. For instance, if a selection test is designed to predict job performance, criterion-related validity would examine whether higher scores on the test correlate with better job performance in the future.

Criterion-related validity can be further divided into two types: concurrent validity, which looks at the relationship between test scores and current performance, and predictive validity, which focuses on the relationship between test scores and future performance. In this context, the emphasis on "predicts future performance" aligns directly with the concept of predictive validity, making criterion-related validity the most applicable choice here.

The other types of validity—construct validity, content validity, and face validity—serve different functions. Construct validity examines whether the test truly measures the theoretical construct it intends to measure. Content validity evaluates whether the test covers the relevant content areas comprehensively. Face validity refers to how legitimate a test appears to those taking it, rather than its actual predictive capabilities. Therefore, criterion-related validity stands out for its specific focus on how well a test can forecast future outcomes.