Reliability

Question 1

Definition:

Internal reliability

Answer 1

The extent to which a test or measure is consistent within itself e.g. the use of a standardised instructions and procedure for all participants

Question 2

Definition:

External reliability

Answer 2

The extent to which a test produces consistent results over several occasions

Question 3

Suggest:

Ways of dealing with reliability

Answer 3

The use of a standardised procedure or measures such as counterbalancing.

Question 4

Definition:

Inter-rater reliability

Answer 4

Where two or more psychologists produce consistent results by using a standardised procedure, agreed coding system, or correlation of their data

Question 5

Definition:

Test-retest reliability

Answer 5

Involves testing and retesting the same participants over time, with the same test, and comparing their scores. If the scores are the same the test has external reliability

Question 6

Definition:

Split-half reliability

Answer 6

Involves splitting a pp’s test answers in half and seeing whether s/he got the same or similar scores on the two halves. If so, internal reliability is high; if not, it is low and individual questions would need to be redesigned