An ELT Glossary : Predictive Validity



Definition : A test is said to have predictive validity, if the results accurately indicate whether or not the test taker will be able to perform a specified "real life" task outside the teaching/testing context . In language testing this obviously implies "...will be able to perform a specified "real life" task in terms of the level of language competence required".

Example 1 : The IELTS exam is intended to predict whether or not the test taker will be able to cope, as far as English language competence is concerned, when following a university course in English. 

Example 2 : The Occupational English Test for Healthcare Professionals is intended to predict whether various healthcare professionals (doctors,dentists, physiotherapists, nurses, veterinary surgeons, pharmacists etc) have a sufficient knowledge of general and medical English to work successfully in an English-speaking healthcare context - eg being able to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and colleagues.

Other types of validity include : content validity, construct validity, and  face validity