One major reason for the problems of test validation is an overemphasis on the need for empirical validity data, and a failure to recognize the primary importance of explicit verbal definitions of what the test is intended to measure and rational arguments in support of the means chosen for obtaining the measurement. (Author/LC)

In response to Ebel (TM 508 146) Gardner argues that neither intrinsic rational validity associated with ability tests nor a validity coefficient relating a test to performance as the sole information about validity is sufficient. All relevant data about a test and its functioning are essential in describing the validity of the test. (Author/LC)

Examines and contests the claim that all language tests are in reality testing the same underlying ability which is very similar to the Spearman g-factor for intelligence. Conclusions indicate that the argument for the existence of a g-factor in language tests is not tenable on statistical grounds. (SL)