Final answer:
In a predictive validity study, information is gathered on how accurately the study measures what it's designed to measure, such as how SAT scores predict college success.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a predictive validity study, information is gathered on the accuracy of a given result in measuring what it is designed to measure. For example, if a university is conducting a predictive validity study on the SAT scores of applicants, they would be interested in how well those scores can predict the future success of students, such as their GPA in their first year of college. It is crucial for the study to produce reliable results that can be replicated, and for it to have high validity, ensuring that it measures exactly what it is intended to measure.
Predictive validity is particularly important in areas such as educational testing, where it can determine whether tests like the SAT or ACT are good predictors of college performance. Researchers strive to create precise models through these studies to help institutions make informed decisions about admissions or policy development. In the field of sociology, studies might examine the relationship between certain behaviors and societal trends to make future predictions.