Reliability

Question 1

Internal Reliability

Answer 1

A measure of the extent something is consistent within itself.
(all questions on an IQ test should be measuring the same thing).

Question 2

External Reliability

Answer 2

A measure of consistency over several different occasions.
(conducting interviews over several weeks to see if the outcome is the same).

Question 3

How to assess Internal Reliability?

Answer 3

Split-half method
Participants answers are divided into 2 and compared. The scores on both halves should be similar.

Question 4

How to assess External Reliability?

Answer 4

Test-retest method
Same participants get tested on the same test again some time later, when they have forgot. The answers are compared and should be the same.

Question 5

Inter-rater reliability

Answer 5

The extent to which 2 or more observers agree, when watching the same behaviour and producing the exact same data.

Question 6

Dealing with issues of reliability in Observations

Answer 6

Use a coding system/ behaviour checklist. Use it and then discuss observations.

Question 7

Dealing with issues of reliability in Self-reports

Answer 7

Low internal = questions removed to see if split-half test returns to high reliability.

Low external = poorly written questions causing confusion, need to be rewritten.