Face validity refers to the extent to which a test or measurement appears to measure what it is intended to measure, based on subjective judgment. It is assessed by looking at the test's content and determining if it seems relevant and appropriate for the intended purpose. For example, a math test that includes questions about arithmetic would have high face validity for assessing basic math skills.
While face validity is important for ensuring that a test is perceived as valid by its users, it does not guarantee that the test accurately measures the intended construct. Researchers often complement face validity with other forms of validity, such as construct validity and criterion-related validity, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of a test's effectiveness.