What does the concept of "validity" in evaluation refer to?

The concept of "validity" in evaluation is fundamentally about the accuracy of the evaluation's measurements and whether it truly reflects what it is intended to measure. When an evaluation has high validity, it means that the tools, tests, or methods used are effectively capturing the concept or outcome that they are supposed to assess. For instance, if an evaluation is designed to measure student learning in mathematics, validity ensures that the assessment accurately represents students' mathematical skills and knowledge.

This aspect of validity is crucial for ensuring the results of an evaluation are meaningful and can be used to inform decisions or improvements. In contrast, the other options pertain to different evaluation concepts. Consistency over time relates to reliability, which focuses on the stability of measurement results across different instances. Statistical evidence is more aligned with data analysis, emphasizing quantitative aspects rather than the underlying accuracy of what is being measured. Lastly, insights from qualitative data are about the depth of understanding gained from subjective experiences rather than the validity of what is measured. Validity remains central to ensuring the evaluation serves its intended purpose effectively.