What area does criterion-related validity focus on?

Criterion-related validity concentrates on the extent to which a test correlates with specific performance outcomes, thus establishing a meaningful relationship between test results and real-world measures of success in a relevant domain. This approach evaluates how well a test predicts or relates to important criteria, such as job performance or other established benchmarks in a practical setting.

By focusing on the correlation of test scores with performance outcomes, criterion-related validity aims to demonstrate that the test is not just a theoretical construct but has practical implications in predicting actual behavior and effectiveness. This validation helps organizations ensure that their assessments are effective in identifying individuals who will perform well in the job or context for which they are being evaluated. In contrast, other options may reference aspects of test reliability or compare different tests, but they do not specifically address the core focus of criterion-related validity.