Predictive validity is demonstrated when test scores help predict a specific future outcome.

• A. A specific future outcome
• B. The current status of the construct
• C. The reliability over time
• D. The relationship with unrelated measures

Answer: (A)

Predictive validity is about how well test scores forecast a future criterion. It matters that the outcome you’re predicting occurs after the test is taken, not at the same time. The best match is a statement that the test scores help predict a specific future outcome, since that captures the essence of predictive validity.

Think of it like a college entrance exam used to forecast future college GPA or a job-screening test predicting on-the-job performance. That forward-looking link is what makes it predictive validity.

The other ideas don’t fit: linking to the current status of the construct describes concurrent validity, not predictive. Relying on reliability over time speaks to consistency of the test itself (reliability), not its ability to predict a future outcome. Linking to unrelated measures would show poor discriminant validity, not predictive validity.