Representation validity

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Representation validity is concerned about how well the constructs or abstractions translate into observable measures. There are two primary questions to be answered.

• Do the subconstructs properly define the construct (if you break up the main abstractions into

smaller abstractions or definitions)?

• Do the observations properly interpret, measure, or test the constructs?

One way to argue positively, albeit a very weak argument, is to claim face validity for the construct/observable relationship. Basically this is making the following claim: on the face of it, it seems like a good translation. The weakness of this argument can be strengthened by a consensus of experts. Another way to argue positively is to claim content validity for the construct/observable relationship. To do this one must check the operationalization against the relevant content domain for the construct: to extent to which the tests (ie, the observable measures) measure the content of the subject being tested — ie, that all the important content areas are covered adequately.