Which term defines the degree to which a test measures what it is intended to measure?

The term that defines the degree to which a test measures what it is intended to measure is assessment validity. Validity refers to the accuracy and appropriateness of the inferences made from test scores. When a test is valid, it truly assesses the specific construct it claims to measure, whether that be knowledge, skills, or competencies in a given subject area.

In educational contexts, establishing validity is crucial, as it ensures that the conclusions drawn from the assessment are sound and reflect the actual abilities and understandings of the students. This can include various forms of validity, such as content validity (how well the test questions align with the curriculum), criterion-related validity (how well test scores correlate with other measures), and construct validity (how well the test reflects the theoretical construct it is intended to measure).

Other terms, while related to assessments, refer to different aspects. Assessment fairness relates to the impartiality of the assessment process and ensuring equal opportunity for all test-takers. Assessment reliability refers to the consistency and stability of test scores over time or across different populations. Assessment integrity relates to the ethical standards and honesty upheld in the assessment process. Each of these aspects is important, but they address different facets of assessment quality.