Which term refers to the degree to which an assessment measures what it is intended to measure?

The term that refers to the degree to which an assessment measures what it is intended to measure is known as validity. Validity is an essential concept in assessment and appraisal, indicating that the tool or method used accurately captures the specific traits or qualities it aims to evaluate. For example, in an appraisal context, if an assessment tool is designed to measure property values, it must truly reflect those values and not be influenced by irrelevant factors.

Validity encompasses various types such as content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity, all contributing to ensuring that the results of an assessment accurately represent the concept being measured. This is crucial for making informed decisions based on the data generated from such assessments, leading to reliable conclusions and actions.

In contrast, reliability relates to the consistency of an assessment result over time; standardization involves uniform procedures in measuring to ensure comparability; and utility refers to the practical usefulness of the assessment in real-world application. Each of these terms plays a role in the overall effectiveness of assessments, but validity specifically addresses the accuracy of measuring the intended construct.