Events

Consensus, what consensus?

Speakers:

Dr Paul Newton (Cambridge Assessment)
Stuart Shaw (University of Cambridge International Examinations)

Date: 29 Feb 2012 Venue: Hughes Hall Mortimer Road Cambridge CB1 2EW
Type: Seminar Fee: Free to attend

The concept of validity is not a new one. Theories of validity are apparent in the literature from around the turn of the twentieth century, and since that time, they have evolved significantly in response to the increased use of assessments across scientific, social, and educational settings.

Validity theory has evolved gradually, from disparate and contested origins to a point where, more recently, there has been a strong professional consensus over a precise, technical meaning. This consensus is grounded in a mature conception of construct validity and the validation of interpretations and inferences from test scores. However, some critics are now claiming that the meaning of validity is currently in a state of flux and that a clear consensus no longer exists.

Speaking at a recent seminar hosted by the Cambridge Assessment Network, Dr Paul Newton, Cambridge Assessment Network, and Stuart Shaw, University of Cambridge International Examinations, debated whether certain elements of the supposed ‘consensus’ are more central than others, and to what extent different versions of the ‘mainstream’ account are compatible.

Related materials

Dr Paul Newton's and Stuart Shaw's 'The meaning of validity: consensus; what consensus?' presentation

Related materials

Mortimer Road Cambridge CB1 2EW

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