Concept of Reliability and Validity
Concept of Reliability and Validity
Concept of Reliability and Validity
Reliability and validity are concepts used to evaluate the quality of research.
They indicate how well a method, technique or test measure something.
Reliability is about the consistency of a measure, and validity is about the
accuracy of a measure.
Reliability
A test can be reliable but not valid, whereas a test cannot be valid yet
unreliable. Reliability, in simple terms, describes the repeatability and
consistency of a test. Validity defines the strength of the final results and
whether they can be regarded as accurately describing the real world.
Validity:
The word "valid" is derived from the Latin Validus, meaning strong. The validity
of a measurement tool (for example, a test in education) is considered to be
the degree to which the tool measures what it claims to measure; in this case,
the validity is an equivalent to accuracy.
Validity implies the extent to which Reliability refers to the degree to
the research instrument which assessment tool produces
measures, what it is intended to consistent results, when repeated
measure. measurements are made.
It refers to the ability of the It refers to the reproducibility of
instrument/test to measure what it the results when repeated
is supposed to measure measurements are done
It relates to the correct It relates to the extent to which an
applicability of the experiment, test or any procedure
instrument/test/procedure in a gives the same result on repeated
needed situation trials.
Can relate to question of ‘Does it Can relate to question, ‘How
measure what it is supposed to representative is the
measure’? measurement’?
Answers, ‘Is it the right Answers, ‘Can the results
instrument/test for what I need to obtained be replicated if the test is
measure?’ repeated?’
Validity looks at accuracy Reliability looks at
repeatability/consistency
Validity mainly focuses on the Reliability mainly focuses on
outcome maintaining consistent result
Influencing factors for validity are: Influencing factors for reliability
process, purpose, theory matters, are: test length, test score
logical implications, etc. variability, heterogenicity, etc.
Validity has more analysis and is Reliability is comparatively easier
harder to achieve. and yields faster results.
There cannot be validity without There can be reliability without
reliability validity.
Even if validity of an instrument is When reliability/repeatability is
poor (for certain test), it can have poor, validity may also be poor.
high reliability (for other tests) Thus, usefulness of a
test/experiments are negligible.
If the results are not valid, the test If the results cannot be replicated,
is of no use at all the test is of little use
Examples of different types of Examples of different types of
validity are: reliability are:
Convergent validity
External validity