What is construct validity?

Construct validity refers to the extent to which a test or measurement accurately represents the theoretical concept it is intended to measure. It involves evaluating whether the operational definitions used in a study align with the underlying construct, ensuring that the results are meaningful. This type of validity is assessed through various methods, including correlational studies and factor analysis, to confirm that the instrument behaves as expected in relation to other measures. High construct validity indicates that the tool effectively captures the essence of the construct being studied.