How is face validity defined?

Face validity refers to the extent to which a test appears to measure what it claims to measure, based on a superficial examination. This type of validity is concerned with the appearance of the test and whether it seems appropriate or relevant to those taking it or evaluating it. It does not involve complex statistical analysis or empirical evidence, but rather the intuitive appeal of the test’s claims.

When a test has face validity, the items seem to be relevant and appropriate to the constructs they are intended to assess. For instance, if a test is designed to measure depressive symptoms, the presence of questions about mood, energy levels, and interest in activities would contribute to its face validity because these items are directly associated with the concept of depression. Thus, the correct choice highlights how the test appears to fulfill its intended purpose based on its design and questions presented.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of validity or aspects of test measurement that do not specifically relate to the superficial attractiveness or immediate relevance of the test as perceived by non-experts. For example, comprehensive coverage pertains to content validity, predictive validity focuses on how well a test can forecast performance on another measure, and abstract interpretation does not align with the common understanding of validity types in test design.