Criterion-related validity assesses what type of relationship?

Criterion-related validity evaluates how well one measure predicts or correlates with an outcome based on another established measure, thereby assessing the relationship with other measurements of the same concepts. This type of validity indicates whether the test is effective in predicting performance or behavior as measured by a different criterion that is recognized as valid.

For instance, if a new intelligence test correlates strongly with a well-established intelligence test, this establishes evidence of criterion-related validity. Such validation is crucial in research to confirm that a specific measurement is not only relevant but also applicable in real-world scenarios, thereby ensuring that the research outcomes are meaningful and reliable.

Understanding this relationship is vital in the context of communication research methods, as it helps researchers determine if their tools and measures accurately reflect the concepts they intend to study.