What are the two primary goals of test criteria in a fitness context?

In the context of fitness testing, the two primary goals of test criteria are reliability and validity. Reliability refers to the consistency of the test results over repeated trials, ensuring that if the same individual takes the test multiple times under similar conditions, they should receive similar results each time. This consistency is crucial for tracking changes in fitness levels and ensuring that improvements or declines can be accurately assessed.

Validity, on the other hand, indicates that the test actually measures what it is intended to measure. In fitness assessments, a valid test means that it appropriately assesses the specific fitness component it claims to measure, such as strength, endurance, or flexibility. For instance, if a test designed to measure cardiovascular endurance fails to accurately reflect an individual's true endurance capacity, it lacks validity.

Both reliability and validity work hand-in-hand to enhance the effectiveness of the fitness test, ensuring that it is a practical tool for assessing and monitoring physical fitness in various populations, including seniors. The other options do not align with these fundamental principles of fitness testing; they focus on aspects that, while potentially important in different contexts, do not address the core aims of ensuring accurate and trustworthy assessments.