What does predictive validity indicate about a test?

Predictive validity refers to the extent to which a test can accurately predict outcomes or behaviors that occur at a later time. When a test exhibits strong predictive validity, it indicates that the scores or measurements obtained from the test are reliable indicators of how individuals will think, act, or feel in the future. For example, a psychological assessment designed to predict academic success would have high predictive validity if it effectively forecasts students' future academic performance based on their current test scores.

The concept is crucial in psychology and various fields because it demonstrates that tests are not only measuring current attributes but are also successfully forecasting future possibilities, making it a valuable tool in both clinical and applied settings.