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Key Takeaways
What Is Concurrent Validity?
Concurrent validity is a type of criterion validity that measures the degree to which a new test or measurement tool correlates with a well-established measure (criterion) of the same construct, when both are administered at the same time.
In other words, it assesses how well the new test can predict or agree with the results of the existing, validated measure in the present moment.
If a new assessment for depression correlates highly with scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (a validated measure for depression) when administered to the same individuals, it would support the new assessment’s concurrent validity.
How to measure concurrent validity
In general,any correlationbetween two related measures taken at the same point in time can be used to demonstrate concurrent validity.
To measure concurrent validity, follow these steps:
This criterion measure should have demonstrated reliability and validity, serving as a benchmark for comparison.
For example, if you’re validating a new test for depression, you might use the Beck Depression Inventory as your criterion measure.
Ensure an adequate sample size to obtain a reliable estimate of the correlation coefficient. A larger sample size will generally lead to a more precise and stable estimate of the relationship.
Ensure that the administration of both measures is independent to avoid criterion contamination.
Prevent the scores on one measure from influencing the scores on the other.
Differences in administration conditions can introduce unwanted variability and reduce the observed concurrent validity.
For instance, if teachers are aware of students’ scores on an aptitude test, this knowledge might unintentionally bias their ratings of those students’ academic performance.
Collect the data from both measures for each participant.
Common correlation coefficients include Pearson’s r for continuous data and Spearman’s rho for ordinal data.
Interpret the correlation coefficient:
Remember that concurrent validity is just one type of validity evidence, and it’s essential to gather other types of validity evidence (e.g., content validity, predictive validity) to comprehensively evaluate the validity of a new measure.
Examples of concurrent validity
Depression Questionnaires
Depression is a common mental health issue that affects many people, so it is important to assess its severity accurately.
One way of doing this is through the use of depression questionnaires. In this context, concurrent validity involves comparing scores onthe questionnairewith scores from other measures that should be related, such as clinician-rated symptom scales or diagnostic interviews based on DSM criteria.
This allows researchers to determine whether higher scores on the questionnaire correlate with higher scores on these other measures and vice versa, providing evidence of concurrent validity for the questionnaire (Bowers, 2004).
IQ Tests
IQ tests are widely used tomeasure intelligence, but they must first demonstrate concurrent validity before they can be relied upon as accurate.
Since IQ is designed to be a fundamentally curved scale, using concurrent validity as a way of confirming new means is essential to its usability. There are many ways that researchers can ensure the concurrent validity of IQ tests.
For example, researchers can measure whether students’ scores on an IQ test are positively correlated with their grades in school. Otherwise, they may test if the calculated IQ scores of their assessment correlate with the calculated IQ scores of others (Hays et al., 2002).
Quality of Life Research
These two scales both measure functional well-being, emotional well-being, and physical well-being.
Because there is a strong correlation between these subscales, researchers can better assume that those with higher life satisfaction are predicted to express more positive affect and have higher levels of health status (Baker et al., 2007).
What are the limitations of concurrent validity?
FAQs
Is concurrent validity internal or external?Concurrent validity is a type of external validity, which focuses on relationships external to the test, such as the association between test scores and external criteria.In contrast, internal validity focuses on relationships internal to the test, such as the relations among the items that make up the test.For instance, internal validity would investigate whether responses to different items within a depression assessment are consistent with one another, suggesting that the items are all measuring the same underlying construct of depression.
Is concurrent validity internal or external?
Concurrent validity is a type of external validity, which focuses on relationships external to the test, such as the association between test scores and external criteria.In contrast, internal validity focuses on relationships internal to the test, such as the relations among the items that make up the test.For instance, internal validity would investigate whether responses to different items within a depression assessment are consistent with one another, suggesting that the items are all measuring the same underlying construct of depression.
Concurrent validity is a type of external validity, which focuses on relationships external to the test, such as the association between test scores and external criteria.
In contrast, internal validity focuses on relationships internal to the test, such as the relations among the items that make up the test.
For instance, internal validity would investigate whether responses to different items within a depression assessment are consistent with one another, suggesting that the items are all measuring the same underlying construct of depression.
Is concurrent and convergent validity the same?
Concurrent validity refers to the degree to which a test or measurement tool correlates with another, previously validated measure of the same construct, when both measures are taken at the same time.
In other words, it assesses how well a new test compares to an existing, well-established test.Convergent validityis a subtype of construct validity. It refers to the degree to which two measures of constructs that theoretically should be related are, in fact, related.
How can concurrency validity be improved?
Firstly, researchers can ensure that the data used for concurrent review is complete and up to date.
Secondly, researchers can use design techniques that reduce the chance of conflicting updates from different sources.
Thirdly, researchers can consider implementing automated conflict resolution protocols if appropriate.
Fourthly, they can create standard operating procedures that are consistently followed and regularly reviewed to minimize errors in concurrent reviews.
Finally, documenting the results of each concurrent review can help identify areas where improvements could be made or conflicts avoided in future reviews.
By adhering to these principles, organizations can ensure that their concurrent reviews are conducted accurately and reliably (Lin & Yao, 2014).
What is the relationship between concurrent validity and construct validity?Concurrent validity is one aspect of the broader concept of construct validity.It serves as one piece of evidence supporting construct validity, especially when combined with other forms of evidence like content validity,predictive validity, convergent validity, anddiscriminant validity.Construct validity seeks to confirm that a test genuinely measures the intended theoretical construct.
What is the relationship between concurrent validity and construct validity?
Concurrent validity is one aspect of the broader concept of construct validity.It serves as one piece of evidence supporting construct validity, especially when combined with other forms of evidence like content validity,predictive validity, convergent validity, anddiscriminant validity.Construct validity seeks to confirm that a test genuinely measures the intended theoretical construct.
Concurrent validity is one aspect of the broader concept of construct validity.
It serves as one piece of evidence supporting construct validity, especially when combined with other forms of evidence like content validity,predictive validity, convergent validity, anddiscriminant validity.
Construct validity seeks to confirm that a test genuinely measures the intended theoretical construct.
American Psychological Association. (n.D.) Concurrent Validity. American Psychological Association Dictionary.
Baker, F., Denniston, M., Hann, D., Gesme, D., Reding, D. J., Flynn, T., & Kennedy, J. S. (2007). Factor structure and concurrent validity of the Satisfaction with Life Domains Scale for Cancer (SLDS-C). Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 25(2), 1–17.
Bowers, A. (2004). Concurrent Validity Study of the Clinical Assessment of Depression with the Beck Depression Inventory. University of Kentucky.
Gregory, R. J. (2000). Psychological testing, history, principles, and applications (4th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
Hays, J. R., Reas, D. L., & Shaw, J. B. (2002). Concurrent validity of the Wechsler abbreviated scale of intelligence and the Kaufman brief intelligence test among psychiatric inpatients.Psychological reports,90(2), 355-359.
Drake, R. D., Rao, G. G., McIntire, D. D., Miller, D. S., & Schorge, J. O. (2005). The Incidence of GTD in Hispanic Women: A 20-Year Experience at Parkland Memorial Hospital.Obstetrics & Gynecology,105(4), 119S.
Lin, W. & Yao, G. Concurrent Validity. In Michalos, A. C. (Ed.). (2014).Encyclopedia of quality of life and well-being research(pp. 311-1). Springer Netherlands.
Saul McLeod, PhD
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester
Saul McLeod, PhD., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years of experience in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.
Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc
BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education
Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.
Charlotte NickersonResearch Assistant at Harvard UniversityUndergraduate at Harvard UniversityCharlotte Nickerson is a student at Harvard University obsessed with the intersection of mental health, productivity, and design.
Charlotte NickersonResearch Assistant at Harvard UniversityUndergraduate at Harvard University
Charlotte Nickerson
Research Assistant at Harvard University
Undergraduate at Harvard University
Charlotte Nickerson is a student at Harvard University obsessed with the intersection of mental health, productivity, and design.
