Face validity

Last updated on Nov 3, 2021

Definition: A subjective judgement of how suitable a measure appears to be on the surface, that is, how well a measure is operationalized. For example, judging whether questionnaire items should relate to a construct of interest at face value. Face validity is related to construct validity, but since it is subjective/informal, it is considered an easy but weak form of validity.

Related terms: Construct Validity, Content Validity, Logical Validity, Operationalization, Validity

Reference: Holden (2010)

Drafted and Reviewed by: Annalise A. LaPlume, Helena Hartmann, Kai Krautter, Adam Parker, Sam Parsons

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