Concurrent validity highlights the agreement between the two tools or assessments taken at the same time. Here, the new assessment is compared with the already validated tool. It is a subtype of criterion-related validity. It is named “concurrent” due to its process of obtaining scores for a new test and criterion variables at the same time.
For example, in assessment of the concurrent validity of a new survey test,
- The same employees will be asked to fill out the already validated test and the new test, and then the results will be compared.
- The sample of employees is asked to fill out the new test and compare the results of a common test of employees’ performance, for example, a performance review.
In the case of the same results from the two tests, it is concluded that the test has concurrent validity.
If a new test claims to be better than the existing test in terms of objectivity, cheapness, etc., then the establishment of concurrent validity is very important.
What is concurrent validity?
It measures the extent of agreement between different assessments. A validated test will be classified as the “gold standard,” and it measures how a new measurement is compared to it.
If the results between the existing validated test and the new test correlate, then concurrent validity can be established. But it is important that there be already validated tests available with which the new test can be compared.
Concurrent validity examples
This type of validity compares the new measurement tool with an existing valid measure.
Concurrent validity, example 1:
A new scale is used for measuring the self-esteem of students. Previously, teachers were required to give their input. Now the input will be given by students, saving the precious time of the teachers. The researcher will conduct both tests at the same time, and then the results will be compared. If the new scale is correlated with the old one, then the old test will be stopped and the new scale will be used.
Concurrent validity example 2:
A new method is introduced to measure the competence of nurses through the involvement of outside professionals who will observe the nurses. Previously, this job used to be performed by the nurse’s supervisor. To determine the validity of the new test, both tests will be run concurrently. If the findings of the supervisor and those of outside professionals significantly differ, then the new test will have low validity.
Concurrent validity example 3:
A newly established mathematics test is administered to the students. The results obtained from the test are compared with their GPAs. If a correlation is found between the new test and GPA, then the new test will be valid.
Concurrent validity example 4:
A newly established mobility test for aging adults is administered, and the results are compared with the already valid test. If a correlation exists between the two tests, then the new test will be valid.
Concurrent validity example 5:
The results of a newly shoe-implanted step counter are compared with those of a step-counting watch. If the results are correlated, then the newly prepared shoe-implanted step counter has concurrent validity.
Concurrent validity example 6:
The results obtained from the newly acquired aggressive tendency inventory are compared with observed aggressive behaviors. In cases of strong correlation, the inventory will be valid.
Concurrent validity example 7:
When SAT math scores are compared with a new math assessment test, If they are correlated, then the new math assessment test will be valid.
Concurrent validity example 8:
A newly constructed depression questionnaire is tested on a sample of respondents, and the results are compared with other related measures, such as clinician-rated symptom scales or diagnostic interviews based on DSM criteria. In cases of correlation, the new depression questionnaire will be valid.
Advantages of concurrent validity:
- This type of validity provides a useful source through which the validation coefficient could be obtained.
- The data can be quickly obtained.
- It is one of the most suitable means to validate research instruments used for the assessment of attributes.
Disadvantages of concurrent validity:
It is considered a weak kind of validity, which has the following reasons:
- It alone should not be considered for the establishment of the validity of a test or scale. It is because if the gold standard is bias, then comparing the results of a newly established test with this bias measure will not help in establishing the concurrent validity of the test.
- It is difficult to find gold standards. For example, for measuring the pain, no objective standard is available for doing so. For this reason, the researcher will have to rely on what his or her respondents tell him or her.
- This type of validity is not suitable for assessing the future performance of individuals.