Messick, Samuel

Samuel Messick was a psychologist known for his work in the field of assessment and psychometrics. He emphasized that test scores are not just about measuring ability but also involve understanding the social context, fairness, and the meaningfulness of the results. Messick argued that validity—whether a test accurately measures what it’s supposed to—should consider multiple sources of evidence, including how tests are used and interpreted. His approach promotes a comprehensive view of assessment, ensuring that tests serve their intended purpose ethically and accurately, reflecting real-world abilities and knowledge.