Reliability

Question 1

What are 3 types of reliability?

Answer 1

external reliability
internal reliability
observer reliability

Question 2

What is external reliability?

Answer 2

producing the same results each time the test/study is carried out (replication)

Question 3

What is internal reliability?

Answer 3

This is concerned with the consistency within a test. It is usually associated with questionnaires and tests (e.g. personality)

Question 4

What is observer reliability?

Answer 4

When 2 or more observers produce the same record of their observations

Question 5

What is reliability?

Answer 5

refers to issues concerned with the extent to which an investigation could be conducted again in the same way and whether findings would be similar if the study were to be replicated

Question 6

What is the split half method?

Answer 6

this compares a person’s performance on two halves of a test or questionnaire. You would expect a person’s performance on the first half of a test to be consistent with their performance on the second half (have to be in 80% agreement)

assesses internal reliability

Question 7

What is the test retest method?

Answer 7

where a test is repeated several times using the same P’s. if it is reliable you would expect the same or very similar results each time from the same individuals.

assesses external reliability

Question 8

What is inter-observer reliability?

Answer 8

where the observations of two or more observers are compared for similarity. The observers would first be trained in the use of a coding system so they can identify and are clear on exactly what they are looking for.

assesses observer reliability

Question 9

What are 3 ways to improve reliability?

Answer 9

1. take multiple measurements (reduces impact of anomalous scores)
2. increase number of standardized procedures
3. conduct a pilot study