Learn English – what does “provide for” mean

word-usage

Interviews that asked past behavior questions demonstrated superior validity for predicting performance because they provide for an assessment of motivation to apply knowledge/skills more effectively than situational questions.

In above sentence, what does "provide for" mean? I'm confused with the extra(?) "for".

Best Answer

Don't think of it as an extra "for"; "provide for" in this sentence is shorthand for provide an opportunity for. A better replacement would be allow.

"Interviews... allow an assessment of motivation..."