difference between validity and reliability in research

That is, the correlation among the answers is measured.Ĭronbach alpha is a test of internal consistency and frequently used to calculate the correlation values among the answers on your assessment tool. Sometimes reliability is referred to as internal validity or internal structure of the assessment tool.įor internal consistency 2 to 3 questions or items are created that measure the same concept, and the difference among the answers is calculated. Reliability can be estimated in several ways the method will depend upon the type of assessment instrument. Using an instrument with high reliability is not sufficient other measures of validity are needed to establish the credibility of your study. Examples of assessments include resident feedback survey, course evaluation, written test, clinical simulation observer ratings, needs assessment survey, and teacher evaluation.

Thus, reliability and validity must be examined and reported, or references cited, for each assessment instrument used to measure study outcomes. Validity is not a property of the tool itself, but rather of the interpretation or specific purpose of the assessment tool with particular settings and learners.Īssessment instruments must be both reliable and valid for study results to be credible. Here validity refers to how well the assessment tool actually measures the underlying outcome of interest. For outcome measures such as surveys or tests, validity refers to the accuracy of measurement. Validity in research refers to how accurately a study answers the study question or the strength of the study conclusions.

Difference between validity and reliability in research