What does criterion-related validity refer to?

Criterion-related validity refers to the extent to which a test correlates with a specific criterion or outcome, which reflects the ability of the test to predict or relate to this external measure. This type of validity is assessed by looking at the relationship between the results of the test itself and some other established measure or criterion that is known to be relevant to the construct being measured. For instance, a cognitive ability test might be correlated with job performance metrics to see if higher test scores indeed relate to better performance in a job setting.

This correlation can help validate that the test is measuring what it intends to measure, thereby supporting its use in making decisions based on the test scores. High correlations indicate strong criterion-related validity, showcasing the test's effectiveness in predicting or assessing relevant outcomes.

The other options touch on different aspects of measurement and validation. While subjective opinions relate to construct validity or content validity, consistency of test scores points toward reliability rather than criterion-related validity. Predicting future job performance also represents a type of criterion-related validity but is more specific than the broader definition encompassing any criterion or outcome.