The main purpose of this paper is to facilitate discussion of important issues concerning validity and to work toward a framework that the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Board Research Committee will find useful in assigning priorities and initiating projects. The background, scope, and meaning of the concept of the "validity" of the GRE are addressed in order to focus on the six proposed objectives for research on validity: (1) to encourage and facilitate institutional validity studies; (2) to deal effectively with methodological issues concerning validity that require the GRE program's initiative; (3) to develop improved criteria of success in graduate study; (4) to improve population validity and enhance understanding of it; (5) to improve institutional use of summary program data; and (6) to systematically insure the validity of revised or new measures resulting from program renewal. The six objectives are defined and the status of research relevant to each of them is presented in terms of reports available and current projects. (ROF)