Reliability

• What does reliability refer to in research?

  Consistency of results across studies
• What are the two types of reliability mentioned?

  Internal and external reliability
• How can reliability be assessed using the test-retest method?

  By repeating the study to compare results
• What indicates high external reliability in the test-retest method?

  A positive correlation between results
• How can reliability be improved in research?

  By controlling extraneous variables
• What does internal consistency refer to?

  Consistency within a test itself
• How can internal consistency be assessed?

  Using the split-half method
• What does a high internal reliability indicate in the split-half method?

  Similar scores on both halves of the test
• How can internal consistency be improved?

  By conducting pilot studies on questions
• What is the purpose of the general knowledge test in the study material?

  • To assess internal reliability
  • To apply the split-half method
• What does inter-observer reliability assess?

  Consistency between different researchers
• How can inter-observer reliability be assessed?

  By comparing observations from different researchers
• How can inter-observer reliability be improved?

  By tightening behavioral categories
• What steps are involved in checking inter-observer reliability?

  1. Use the same behavioral checklist
  2. Observe the same event independently
  3. Compare results for correlation
  4. Aim for a correlation coefficient of 0.8 or higher
• What is the significance of a correlation coefficient of 0.8 or higher?

  Indicates good inter-observer reliability
• What could the psychologist do to improve inter-rater reliability?

  Provide better training for the observers