Skip to content
    Psychology A-Level

    Validity

    What Validity means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.

    Definitions of Validity

    Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.

    Check what you remember

    Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Validity in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.

    Reference: OCR

    A methodological issue and debate kept apart from reliability, as in attacks on the validity of the medical model's psychiatric diagnosis.
    OCR · 2c. Content of Applied psychology (Component 03)
    The validity of the methodology, as poorly designed socially sensitive research can cause significant unwarranted harm if published.
    AQA · Issues and debates in Psychology (study guide)
    The extent to which an observed effect is genuine and measures what it intends to measure.
    AQA · Scientific processes (study guide)

    Topics that use Validity

    Related terms

    Using Validity in the exam

    Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.

    Practise Psychology questions

    Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.

    Start free

    A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge

    All Psychology A-Level terms