Importance of Reliability and Validity in Research

Abstract

The goal developing a new research tool is to ensure that the measurement tool has a high level of external validity to be generalizable and have a broader reach and also is highly reliable and able to consistently gather the same result. Researchers need to determine the validity and reliability of each assessment to ensure that they are not misleading their readers and the data can be trusted based on statistical evidence to support their conclusions. Reliability is the ability of consistency of the results over multiple tests. This process can be calculated by determining various measurements such as test-retest reliability, parallel-form reliability, split-half reliability by calculating a correlation coefficient or a t-test. Validity is the extent in which a test will measure what is said to test, which can be established by looking and measuring face validity, content validity, criterion-related validity, and construct validity. Validity can be established by using various experts to determine if a test is clear and relevant using a tool such as content validity index. If statistically reliability and validity is established, the research will increase the impact on the research and generalizability can be established.