Reliability

Question 1

What is reliability?

Answer 1

The consistency of measurements. We could expect any measurement to produce the same data every time it is used

Question 2

What are two ways of assessing reliability?

Answer 2

1. Test-retest
2. Inter-observer/interviewer/rater reliability

Question 3

What is test- retest reliability?

Answer 3

The same assessment given to the same participants on two occasions to see if the same results are obtained

Question 4

What is inter-observer reliability?

Answer 4

The scores on a correlation between two or more observers. If there is +.80 there is good inter- observer reliability

Question 5

How can researchers improve the reliability of an observation?

Answer 5

Ensure the behavioural categories are operationalised clearly, no overlapping and are measurable

Question 6

How can researchers improve the reliability of a questionnaire?

Answer 6

Ensure the questions are not too complex- replace open, ambiguous questions with closed fixed choice alternatives

Question 7

How can a researcher improve the reliability of an interview?

Answer 7

1. Use the same interviewer each time or ensure interviewer is properly trained
2. Use more structured interviews

Question 8

How can researchers improve the reliability of experiments?

Answer 8

Unsure procedures are standardised