In psychometrics, validity is recognized as the process through which individuals can legitimize the content of the tests, therefore asserting the relevance of the topics and verifying the information collected from the tests answers ( Schinka et al, 1997) . An example of validity in psychometrics is content validity which measures the representativeness of all aspects of a test being measured.
On the other hand, a validity scale in a test of personality refers to the process through which a scale is used to indicate how reliable the responses to questions in a psychology personality test are ( Schinka et al, 1997) . The validity of personality tests relies on the assertion of the validity of subscales that have been used to measure the research parameters ( Loewenthal et al., 2015) . The use of subscales is vital for instance; the use of SAPS and SANs subscales in psychological tests may require the validation of these scales to ensure that there is accuracy of the data presented ( Loewenthal et al., 2015) . An example of a validity scale in psychology is the testing of the validity of test answers of a questionnaire by analyzing the patterns used to answer the questionnaire.
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AERA standards that directly address validity scales
The AERA standards guidelines that address validity scales include the test content, response processes, internal structure and relations to other variables.
Interpretation of the standards and the use of validity scales.
With regard to test content, this is vital to determine the content validity of a test. Additionally, the response processes standards indicate that the processes used for response critically determine the truthfulness and state of bias of the respondent ( Piedmont et al, 2000) . In order for an individual to build an argument supporting the use of a test, it is vital to analyze whether the internal structures are free of bias. Furthermore, the relations to other variables standards verify validity when a causal relationship can be established between the variables being studied.
Do the standards permit, reject, or provide guidance on integrating such scales in a report?
AERA permits and provides the relevant guidance for the adoption and integration of such scales in reporting.
How one should proceed with validity scales
Validity scales are intended to provide guidance on whether tests administered meet the threshold for using valid and verifiable methods of data collection and analysis ( Piedmont et al, 2000) . Validity tests should be carried out in accordance to the AERA standards to ensure that quality inferences can be made about phenomena that is under investigation.
Advantages and disadvantages of using validity scales
Given the thorough nature of most validity tests i.e. content validity and construct validity, it is safe to conclude that validity tests ensure that researchers can confirm the accuracy of the results in addition to the validity of the data that is collected.
However, the administration of validity tests could be both time consuming and costly especially in situations where there is a large number of research participants or a large amount of data.
References
Loewenthal, K., & Lewis, C. A. (2015). An introduction to psychological tests and scales . Psychology Press.
Piedmont, R. L., McCrae, R. R., Riemann, R., & Angleitner, A. (2000). On the invalidity of validity scales: Evidence from self-reports and observer ratings in volunteer samples. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 78 (3), 582.
Schinka, J. A., Kinder, B. N., & Kremer, T. (1997). Research validity scales for the NEO--PI--R: Development and initial validation. Journal of Personality Assessment , 68 (1), 127-138.
