
Reliability refers to how consistently a method measures something. If the same result can be consistently achieved by using the same methods under the same circumstances, the measurement is considered reliable. However, if a measurement is valid, it is usually also reliable. A measurement can be reliable without being valid.

Reliability and validity are closely related, but they mean different things. Where to write about reliability and validity in a thesis.

How to ensure validity and reliability in your research.How are reliability and validity assessed?.The extent to which the results really measure what they are supposed to measure.īy checking the consistency of results across time, across different observers, and across parts of the test itself.īy checking how well the results correspond to established theories and other measures of the same concept.Ī reliable measurement is not always valid: the results might be reproducible, but they’re not necessarily correct.Ī valid measurement is generally reliable: if a test produces accurate results, they should be reproducible. The extent to which the results can be reproduced when the research is repeated under the same conditions. It’s important to consider reliability and validity when you are creating your research design, planning your methods, and writing up your results, especially in quantitative research. Reliability is about the consistency of a measure, and validity is about the accuracy of a measure. They indicate how well a method, technique, or test measures something. Reliability and validity are concepts used to evaluate the quality of research. Start referencing Reliability vs Validity in Research | Differences, Types & Examples

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