Construct Underrepresentation

Construct underrepresentation occurs when a test does not adequately measure all aspects of the construct of interest. There are various sources of construct underrepresentation. This entry first discusses the sources of construct underrepresentation, the effects of construct underrepresentation on test use and score interpretation, and how to minimize construct underrepresentation. It then looks at specific ways of dealing with potential sources of construct underrepresentation in different types of assessment.

For a construct having multiple facets, when one of the facets is not tapped in the measurement, the construct is underrepresented. For example, if a particular test intended as a comprehensive measure of anxiety measures only psychological reactions and not emotional, cognitive, or situational components, it might underrepresent the intended construct. In addition, covering only trivial content ...