Glossary

Face Validity

Face Validity:

The face validity of survey instruments and tests used in psychometrics , is assessed by cursory review of the items (questions) by untrained individuals. The individuals make their judgments on whether the items are relevant. For example, a researcher developing an IQ-test might ask his friends and relatives to read the questions and make their judgements.

The face validity is a qualitative measure of validity; it is not quantified with statistical methods. Of all validity measures, the face validity is normally considered as the least scientific measure – because untrained individuals chosen on the basis of convenience are involved, and because this measure is subjective and not quantifiable.

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