1.3 Reliability

Question 1

define ‘Inter-observer reliability’

Answer 1

The extent to which there is agreement between two or more observers involved in observations of a behaviour.

Question 2

define reliability

Answer 2

is consistency - the consistency of measurements.

we would expect any measurement to produce the same data if taken on successive occasions

Question 3

define test-retest reliability

Answer 3

the same test or interview is given to the same participants on two occasions to see if the same results are obtained

Question 4

what does it mean for data to have reliability?

Answer 4

consistency of measurements
reliability of observations assessed with inter-observer reliability, which should be > 0.8
improved by better operationalisation of behavioural categories and by training observers
reliability of self-report assessed with test-retest: repeat test with same participants over a short interval of a few weeks
improved by reducing ambiguity in questions
reliability in experiments may relate to how the DV is measured (e.g. using observations or self-report)
improved using standardisation of procedures in order to be able to repeat method with all participants