reliability

What is reliability?

Consistency, the extent to which the measurement device or test yields the same approximate results when utilised repeatedly under similar conditions.

How is the observation method measured? x2

• inter observer reliability - two or more observers making recordings, if there’s an agreement in data recorded it is reliable.

• Record so behaviour can be watched or coded again

How can observation method be improved? x2

• operationalise behavioural categories

• Practice behavioural categories

1. How are questionnaires measured?

test retest reliability:

1. Test given to some participants

2. Same test is given to the same participants some time later with a short time interval

3. If agreement in scores is +0.8 correlation, it is reliable

How are interviews measured? x2

• Inter-interviewer reliability - one interviewer interviews one person twice and compares answers.

• Film and watch interview twice with the same or a different researcher

How can self report method be improved?

Reduce ambiguity of questions asked

How can experiments or correlations be measured?

Accurately measure dependent variables in experiments and covariables in correlations

How can it be improved in correlations and experiments? x2

• standardise procedure and instructions

• In lab setting, tight control of extraneous variables