Reliability

• What is the main focus of psychology in relation to measurement?

  Measuring behavior
• Why is consistency important in psychological measurements?


  It ensures that the same results are produced when replicated
• What are some examples of measurement tools used by psychologists?

  Questionnaires, interviews, experimental conditions, and observations
• What is external reliability in psychological research?


  It refers to the consistency of results when a measure is repeated
• What is internal reliability in psychological research?


  It assesses how consistent different parts of a measure are with each other
• How can internal reliability be assessed using a questionnaire?


  By splitting the questionnaire into two parts and checking the correlation of results
• What does a strong correlation in the split-half method indicate?


  It indicates internal reliability
• What is the test-retest method used for?


  To assess the external reliability of a measure
• What does it indicate if the same participants get different results on a test-retest?


  It indicates a lack of external reliability
• What is inter-observer reliability in observational studies?

  It assesses the agreement between different observers using the same behavioral categories
• How can researchers improve inter-observer reliability?

  By training observers and operationalizing behavioral categories
• What statistical tests are commonly used to measure correlations in reliability assessments?

  Pearson's r and Spearman's rho
• What correlation value do psychologists generally consider as indicating a reliable measure?


  A strong correlation of 0.8 or stronger
• How can researchers improve reliability in observational studies?


  • Train observers to accurately record behavior
  • Conduct pilot studies for practice
  • Operationalize behavioral categories to make them precise
• What strategies can be used to improve reliability in interviews and questionnaires?


  • Structure interviews to ensure clarity
  • Use closed questions in questionnaires
  • Utilize established tests instead of creating new ones
• What are the key components to ensure reliability in experimental studies?


  • Use a clear standardized procedure
  • Keep environmental conditions constant
  • Follow established experimental procedures for specific measurements