Reliability

Question 1

What is reliability?

Answer 1

The consistency of the research

Question 2

What are the ways of assessing reliability?

Answer 2

Test retest and inter-observer

Question 3

What is test retest?

Answer 3

When a person is given a test and it is repeated again a number of times after a reasonable interval (i.e that can’t remember their answers) with the same person

Question 4

When is test retest used?

Answer 4

In questionnaires, interviews, tests or experiments

Question 5

How can the findings of test-retest used?

Answer 5

A correlation between the scores can be carried out and a strong positive would suggest good reliability

Question 6

What is inter-observer reliability?

Answer 6

Checks whether categories are interpreted the same way by measuring the extent which different observers achieve similar results when observing same particpants

Question 7

When is inter-observer reliability used?

Answer 7

In observations

Question 8

How can the results from inter-observer reliability be used?

Answer 8

Recorded data is compared to establish a degree of similarity, and relativity is achieved if there is a significant positive correlation between observers

Question 9

How do you improve reliability in experiments?

Answer 9

Make sure variables and operationalised and tightly controlled for extraneous variables, materials should be described and in depth so study can be replicated and use standardised instructions to improve control

Question 10

How do you improve reliability of observations?

Answer 10

Use more than one observer and compare reliability, train all observers on what to observe and how, use a clear and unambiguous behavioural checklist and film behaviour so can check data against film

Question 11

How do you improve reliability of interviews and questionnaires?

Answer 11

Carry out a pilot study beforehand so can identify issues within questions, ensure questions are clear and unambiguous ad used trained researchers to interview