What does the term 'Validity generalization' refer to?

The term 'validity generalization' refers to the applicability of a test's validity across different job locations or settings. This concept indicates that if a test is valid in one context for predicting job performance, it is likely to be valid in other similar contexts without the need for extensive new validation studies.

Validity generalization takes into account the premise that different job roles or locations may have shared characteristics that allow the results from a validation study conducted in one area to be confidently applied to another. Essentially, it suggests that the characteristics measured by the test are stable and relevant across various situations, leading to consistent evaluations of candidate potential. This principle is particularly important in the field of industrial-organizational psychology, as it can save time and resources when trying to implement psychological assessments in various job settings.

In contrast, the other concepts such as consistency of test scores over time, fairness of job selection tests, and the relevance of tests to job performance address different aspects of testing and measurement but do not encompass the broader applicability of a single test's validity across multiple contexts.