"
Cronbach (1988) introduced the term “Validity Argument” after analogy to House’s
(1977) notion of “the logic of evaluation argument”. Cronbach was in agreement with the
complex but unified nature of validity, and its inseparable connection to values and
consequences. Instruments cannot be validated themselves, and interpretations and uses change
constantly. As a result, an instrument (and, we add, its associated theories), are never validated
once and for all. There is an interplay between evidence and instrument features, and the
instrument and theory evolve and are improved to reflect evidence and the correction of
identified inadequacies. All we can do is continue to improve the argument for the theory, the
construct-linked scales, the instrument, and its delivery system. We do this as Messick stated,
through evidence and theoretical rationales.' (Bunderson 2003, p. 11 (pdf))
Cronbach (1988) introduced the term “Validity Argument” after analogy to House’s
(1977) notion of “the logic of evaluation argument”. Cronbach was in agreement with the
complex but unified nature of validity, and its inseparable connection to values and
consequences. Instruments cannot be validated themselves, and interpretations and uses change
constantly. As a result, an instrument (and, we add, its associated theories), are never validated
once and for all. There is an interplay between evidence and instrument features, and the
instrument and theory evolve and are improved to reflect evidence and the correction of
identified inadequacies. All we can do is continue to improve the argument for the theory, the
construct-linked scales, the instrument, and its delivery system. We do this as Messick stated,
through evidence and theoretical rationales.' (Bunderson 2003, p. 11 (pdf))
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