Generate your APA citations for free! APA Citation Generator. Reliability vs validity Reliability Validity What does it tell you? The extent to which the results can be reproduced when the research is repeated under the same conditions. The extent to which the results really measure what they are supposed to measure. How is it assessed?
By checking the consistency of results across time, across different observers, and across parts of the test itself. By checking how well the results correspond to established theories and other measures of the same concept. How do they relate?
A valid measurement is generally reliable: if a test produces accurate results, they should be reproducible. You measure the temperature of a liquid sample several times under identical conditions. The thermometer displays the same temperature every time, so the results are reliable. A doctor uses a symptom questionnaire to diagnose a patient with a long-term medical condition.
Several different doctors use the same questionnaire with the same patient but give different diagnoses.
This indicates that the questionnaire has low reliability as a measure of the condition. If a symptom questionnaire results in a reliable diagnosis when answered at different times and with different doctors, this indicates that it has high validity as a measurement of the medical condition.
The thermometer that you used to test the sample gives reliable results. However, the thermometer has not been calibrated properly, so the result is 2 degrees lower than the true value. Therefore, the measurement is not valid. A group of participants take a test designed to measure working memory. What can proofreading do for your paper?
Is this article helpful? Fiona Middleton Fiona has been editing for Scribbr since August She has a bachelor's degree in geology and is currently working towards a master's degree in marine sciences. She loves working with students based around the world to refine their writing. Other students also liked. An introduction to quantitative research Quantitative research means collecting and analyzing numerical data to describe characteristics, find correlations, or test hypotheses. A guide to operationalization Operationalization means turning abstract concepts into measurable observations.
It involves clearly defining your variables and indicators. A step-by-step guide to data collection Data collection is the systematic process of gathering observations or measurements in research. It can be qualitative or quantitative.
What is your plagiarism score? Scribbr Plagiarism Checker. The consistency of a measure across time : do you get the same results when you repeat the measurement? The table below compares the factors influencing validity within qualitative and quantitative research contexts Cohen, et al.
A wide range of different forms of validity have been identified, which is beyond the scope of this Guide to explore in depth see Cohen, et. The chosen methodology needs to be appropriate for the research questions being investigated and this will then impact on your choice of research methods. The design of the instruments used for data collection is critical in ensuring a high level of validity. For example it is important to be aware of the potential for researcher bias to impact on the design of the instruments.
It is necessary to consider how effective the instruments will be in collecting data which answers the research questions and is representative of the sample. Test-retest Examples of appropriate tests include questionnaires and psychometric tests. It measures the stability of a test over time. A typical assessment would involve giving participants the same test on two separate occasions. If the same or similar results are obtained then external reliability is established. The four steps involved in instrument development are: concept identification; item construction; validity testing and reliability testing.
The clinician who has begun to identify characteristics associated with a patient group has in reality begun the process of instrument development. When collecting qualitative interview data, the main instrument for data collection is the researcher him or herself. The researcher observes, takes notes, talks to people, conducts interviews etc. All of these are skills that need to be learned. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel.
Skip to content Home Essay What is the importance of validity and reliability in research? Ben Davis May 10, What is the importance of validity and reliability in research?
What is the importance of validity in research? What is an important difference between validity and reliability? Why is validity and reliability important in assessments? What is the importance of validity in assessment? What is the purpose of validity? What is validity in assessment of learning? Why is validity important to the assessment of student learning?
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