Reliability

Question 1

What is reliability?

Answer 1

This refers to the consistency of the findings.

Question 2

What are the two ways of assessing reliability?

Answer 2

• Test-retest reliability.

- Inter-observer reliability.

Question 3

What is test-retest reliability?

Answer 3

This refers to the extent to which the same test or measurement, given to the same participants on two separate occasions, produces the same results.

Question 4

How long should the interval be between the two tests when assessing test-retest reliability?

Answer 4

A week.

Question 5

What is inter-observer reliability?

Answer 5

This refers to the extent to which there is an agreement between two, or more, observers.

Question 6

How can you improve a test if it suffers from low inter-observer reliability?

Answer 6

• operationalise behavioural categories
• categories should be removed, revised, and or/rewritten
• observers may need more practice using categories

Question 7

How can you improve a test if it suffers from low test-retest reliability?

Answer 7

• remove, revise, and/or rewrite test items or questions to remove ambiguity
• test items or questions should be simplified in case they are too complex or broad
• test must be standardised in case it is being conducted at slightly different each time.