The Use of Construct Validation Procedures in Curriculum Research.

Abstract

Researchers and theorists in curriculum continually deal with constructs. However, the concept of construct validity, while employed in the social sciences and particularly in psychology, has not found its way into curriculum research to any great degree. This article explores the applicability of construct validation procedures to curriculum research in the hope of stimulating new research directions. In order to accomplish this purpose the general notion of construct validity is first explicated. This treatment is followed by a brief account of how construct validity procedures have been used in psychology. Possible uses of construct validity in curriculum are then suggested. Finally, an existing curriculum research study utilizing the concept of construct validity is presented as an example of the kinds of study that are being advocated.