
They indicate how well a method, technique or test measures something. Validity: Results obtained are a true reflection of what you are actually trying to measure. Reliability: The ability to carry out the same test method and expect the same results. What is validity and reliability in fitness testing? For example, let’s say your thermometer was a degree off. However, tests that are reliable aren’t always valid. Overview of Reliability and Validity A test is valid if it measures what it’s supposed to. Likewise, a measure can be valid but not reliable if it is measuring the right construct, but not doing so in a consistent manner. Reliability is about the consistency of a measure, and validity is about the accuracy of a measure.Ī measure can be reliable but not valid, if it is measuring something very consistently but is consistently measuring the wrong construct. Reliability and validity are concepts used to evaluate the quality of research. What are the differences between reliability and validity? Is reliable test always valid give example?Ī test is valid if it measures what it’s supposed to. You should be able to obtain the same or similar result on two separate trials. For example, if a test is designed to measure a trait (such as introversion), then each time the test is administered to a subject, the results should be approximately the same.Ī test is considered reliable if the results are consistent and reproducible over time. If you’re providing a personality test and get the same results from potential hires after testing them twice, you’ve got yourself a reliable test.ġ A test is considered reliable if we get the same result repeatedly. However, a test can be reliable without being valid. Can a test be reliable and yet not valid explain?Īs you’d expect, a test cannot be valid unless it’s reliable. The scale is reliable because it consistently reports the same weight every day, but it is not valid because it adds 5lbs to your true weight. For example, if your scale is off by 5 lbs, it reads your weight every day with an excess of 5lbs. How can a test be reliable but not valid example?įor a test to be reliable, it also needs to be valid.


1 How can a test be reliable but not valid example?.
