National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

What term best describes a test that accurately measures what it intends to measure?

1. Reliable.

2. Valid.

3. Variable.

4. Consistent.

The correct answer is: Valid.

The term that best describes a test that accurately measures what it intends to measure is validity. Validity refers to the degree to which a test or assessment accurately captures the specific construct or criterion it aims to evaluate. In educational and psychological testing, this means that a valid test will reflect the knowledge, skills, or attributes it claims to measure, ensuring that the results are meaningful and applicable. Reliability, while important, refers to the consistency and stability of test results over time. A reliable test could yield the same results under consistent conditions, but it does not necessarily guarantee that the test measures what it is supposed to measure. The term variable describes a characteristic or factor that can change, and consistency suggests uniformity in measurement outcomes rather than the accuracy of what is being measured. Therefore, validity is the most appropriate term in this context, as it underscores the importance of accuracy in assessment.