Of the four forms of test-item validity, which has the lowest level?

Face validity is considered to be the form of test-item validity with the lowest level because it primarily relies on subjective judgment rather than empirical evidence. This type of validity assesses whether a test appears to measure what it is supposed to measure based on superficial examination or common sense. For example, if a test is designed to measure knowledge of fire safety, it should seem relevant to that topic upon initial review.

While face validity can be helpful in establishing a preliminary perception of a test's relevance, it does not involve rigorous testing or statistical analysis to support that claim. Therefore, it may not accurately reflect the true validity of the test in measuring the intended constructs. The other forms of validity—like content, construct, and criterion validity—require substantial evidence and methodology to confirm that the tests adequately represent the domain they are intended to measure and predict relevant outcomes, making them more robust and reliable than face validity.