Reliability Flashcards
What is reliability
Is the measure of how consistent the findings are from the investigation
What is internal reliability
Describes how consistent something is Within itself
eg a questionnaire is split into 50 word questionnaires we should get similar results with each of the 50 word questionnaires with each pps or similar results in a psychological test
What is external reliability
When something is consistent regardless of when the investigation was produced or who administered it eg results are consistent when repeated regardless of the diff pps or the time it’s used
How do you assess internal reliability
Split half method:
-split the test into 2 parts,pps completes both parts,test the strength of the correlation between the 2 parts of the measure,strong correlation indicates internal reliability
How do you assess external reliability
Test retest-repeat the study using the same procedure measuring the devices at different times and test the correlation between both versions
Inter-observer -2 or more observers record behaviours during the same observation using the same behavioural categories- then they all test the correlation between each tally of behaviour to identify if the behavioural categories are properly operationalised
How do you improve reliability in questionnaires
Use closed questions and open questions to get a range of answers
How do you improve reliability in experiments
Use standardised procedures for each pps so they each have the same experience
How do you improve reliability in observations
Use clearly defined lists of operationalised behavioural categories to classify observed behaviours
And use highly trained observers
How can you improve reliability in interviews
Use structured interviews so interviewer can follow a script ensuring every pps has a similar experience
True or false a correlation of 0.8 or higher is a strong correlation
True
