That is, try to avoid, “the study lacked reliability and validity”. 2. Reliability is the extent to which an instrument would give the same results if the measurement were to be taken again under the same conditions: its consistency. Validity is harder to assess, but it can be estimated by comparing the results to other relevant data or theory. Look at it this way; if an experiment kept giving different sets of results, scientists would say they were unreliable. Many behavioral measures involve significant judgment on the part of an observer or a rater. Reliability is the degree to which an assessment tool produces stable and consistent results. Reliability â if a research finding can be replicated the research is reliable. Before we can define reliability precisely we have to lay the groundwork. Reliability and validity examples in Sociology show how different classes of people stay in a community and share common environment. The assessment of reliability and validity is an ongoing process. Reliability refers to consistency of results over time. The discussion which follows the illustration can point out that the bathroom Bcale example is a useful reminder of the distinction between reliability and validity. 1. Sampling is an important aspect of social survey. It is the selection of relevant units of inquiry for the collection of data and should be done in a scientific manner. researchers are asked to giv e a score for the relevancy of. Types of Reliability . 17 Examples of Reliability posted by John Spacey, January 26, 2016 updated on February 06, 2017. It is not same as reliability, which refers to the degree to which measurement produces consistent outcomes. 6 iii. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Positivists (see below) see this as a desirable characteristic, because they want sociology to be like science. We misinterpret. The split-half method assesses the internal consistency of a test, such as psychometric tests and questionnaires. Many students get a little muddled initially by these two concepts and so it may be helpful, at first, to suggest that they avoid using them in the same sentence. Average intercorrelation of objects with each other. numbers prove this through validity. But how do researchers know that the scores actually represent the characteristic, especially when it is a construct like intelligence, self-esteem, depression, or working memory capacity? Whenever a measure of reliability is computed it is understood that the sample is adequate and has been selected according to a rigorously scientific procedure. Quite likely, people will guess differently, the different measures will be inconsistent, and therefore, the “guessing” technique of measurement is unreliable. Example: Inter-rater reliability might be employed when different judges are evaluating the degree to which art portfolios meet certain standards. Validity and Reliability . Perhaps it did, but what is more likely is that it lacked one of these. See also: How to Write a Sociology Essay; Sociology Essay Topics; Sociology Essay Examples The reliability and validity of a measure is not established by any single study but by the pattern of results across multiple studies. But for this data to be of any use, the tests must possess certain properties like reliability and validity, that ensure unbiased, accurate, and authentic results. Problems in measures of social science variables are seldom so clear cut. RELIABILITY. As dis- cussed by critics or art historians. We daydream. The reliability of a test could be improved through using this method. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. first half and second half, or by odd and even numbers. The following are illustrative examples. A … Reliability and validity examples in Sociology show how different classes of people stay in a community and share common environment. Validity refers to the extent to which an indicator (or set of indicators) really measure the concept under investigation. A test will be reliable when it gives the same repeated result under the same conditions. Learn how your comment data is processed. The aim of this approach is to confirm that each interview is offered with exactly the same questions in the same order. This topic is called reliability theory or reliability analysis in engineering, duration analysis or duration modelling in economics, and event history analysis in sociology. r = .25) should either be removed or re-written. A level sociology revision – education, families, research methods, crime and deviance and more! According to large sample theory the reliability of a measure such as the arithmetic mean depends upon the number of cases in the sample and the variability of the values in the sample. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The term reliability refers to the consistency of a research study or measuring test. Example: The levels of employee satisfaction of ABC Company may be assessed with questionnaires, in-depth interviews and focus groups and results can be compared. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. the degree to which a given question, or other kind of measure, produces the same results time after time. A test can be split in half in several ways, e.g. Internal reliability – are the indicators which make up the scale or index of a measurement consistent ?If the score a respondents according to one indicator of a measure are consistently related to the scores they achieve according to other indicators for that same measure, then the measure can be said to have ‘internal reliability’. Continue reading âHelp us reduce financial burden of UPSC Sociology preparation!â â The answer is that they conduct research using the measure to confirm that the scores make sense based on their understanding of th… Personal examples on such examples sociology dissertation title things as the benchmark for reliability, furthermore. Interrater Reliability. Henson, R. K. (2001) Understanding internal consistency reliability estimates: a conceptual primer on coefficient alpha. On one end is the situation where the concepts and methods of measurement are the same (reliability) and on the other is the situation where concepts and methods of measurement are different ( very discriminant validity). Validity in Sociology. A measurement procedure that is stable or constant should prod… Reliability; Reliability. PLEASE NOTE: We are currently in the process of updating this chapter and we appreciate your patience whilst this is being completed. See also: How to Write a Sociology Essay; Sociology Essay Topics; Sociology Essay Examples For example, if our science teacher wants to test the internal consistency reliability of her test questions on the scientific method, she would include multiple questions on the same concept. alpha would be the correct measure of reliability. A structured interview, or a standardised interview is a quantitative research method commonly used in survey research. Reliability … I then turn to the class as a whole and ask them for examples from social science data where a measure might be reliable, but not valid. Examples of this form of data collection might be: ⢠"A Sense of Freedom" by Jimmy Boyle (1977). of sources of errors on tests are: guessing on a test, marking . We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Many students get a little muddled initially by these two concepts and so it may be helpful, at first, to suggest that they avoid using them in the same sentence. Validity Validity is the extent to which an instrument, such as a survey or test, measures what it is intended to measure (also known as internal validity). There, it measures the extent to which all parts of the test contribute equally to what is being measured. Reliability of a construct or variable refers to its constancy or stability. Reliability is the ability of a test or assessment to yield the same results when administered repeatedly. Temporal and Comparative Reliability. This video briefly introduces the concepts of validity and reliability Let's go on a journey and learn about reliability and validity in research! For example, the researcher would want to know that the successful tutoring sessions work in a different school district. Reliability metrics are stated as probability statements that are measurable by testing. Reliability is a measure of whether something stays the same, i.e. The following are illustrative examples. This is done by comparing the results of one half of a test with the results from the other half. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In some instances, access to data is much easier. Validity of the measuring instrument represents the degree to which the scale measures what it is expected to measure. Validity and Reliability in Social Science Research Ellen A. Drost California State University, Los Angeles Concepts of reliability and validity in social science research are introduced and major methods to assess reliability and validity reviewed with examples from … Stability (aka test-retest reliability) – is the measure stable over time, or do the results fluctuate? Reliability can be difficult to specify, since it is defined in qualitative terms. Reliability. Therefore it is important to know how closely the measures based on sample represent the parameters and how much variation one may expect if other samples are analysed.The measures of reliability are concerned only with fluctuations due to random sampling and they have nothing to do with observational and computational errors. Class traits indicate the level of exposure a person has to a wide range of cultures. Validity and Reliability . Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development 34: 177—89. Reliability is the degree to which the measure of a construct is consistent or dependable. Reliability is the ability of things to perform over time in a variety of expected conditions. 2. ‘Station’ based lessons for A level sociology. The assumption, that the variable that is to be measured is stable or constant, is central to the concept behind the reliability of questionnaire. So how do we determine whether two observers are being consistent in their observations? In order to assess reliability, the thing being measured must be measured more than once. Parallel forms reliability relates to a measure that is obtained by conducting assessment of the same phenomena with the participation of the same sample group via more than one assessment method.. Test-retest reliability is a measure of reliability obtained by administering the same test twice over a period of time to a group of individuals. The degree of variability of cases in a sample also has an important influence on the reliability of the measures computed from the sample. Interrater reliability. We are easily distractible. These concepts are considered statistically significant in proving data in research to be able to be accepted as scientific truth. Test-retest reliability describes whether the researcher finds the same results when conducting the test again at a later time. Durability If the cases in the sample show a pronounced scatter a greater chance of fluctuation in the measures would naturally be expected. Key Concepts: Terms in this set (80) ... reliability. Example: Durkheim ("Suicide: A Study In Sociology", 1897). When we look at reliability and validity in this way, we see that, rather than being distinct, they actually form a continuum. It is usually defined as the probability that a product will operate without failure for a stated number of transactions over a stated period of time. Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Methodology Reliability ⦠Sociology Index - Internet Research. Reliability is a prediction of the performance of a system or product in the future. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. As an example, if a survey posits that a student's aptitude score is a valid predictor of a student's test scores in certain topics, the amount of research conducted into that relationship would determine whether or not the instrument of measurement (here, the aptitude as they relate to the test scores) are considered valid. of sources of errors on tests are: guessing on a test, marking . We get tired of doing repetitive tasks. answers incorrectly (clerical errors), skipping a question . Reliability is one of the standards like validity, against which the tools used to measure concepts are judged.William M.K. The most important types of reliability are inter-rater reliability and test-retest reliability.Inter-rater reliability refers to the extent to which a tool will consistently measure what it is supposed to measure no matter who is using the tool. This is an extremely important point. Inter-rater reliability – how much agreement is there over which observed empirical phenomena fit into what indicator? Durability Examples of reliability requirements specifications are as follows: 1. Reliability can be estimated by comparing different versions of the same measurement. For example, if you wanted to measure the length of a sofa to make sure it would fit through a door, you might measure it twice. I reconstructed Bransford & Johnsonâs research study on the Schematic Effect on Memory (1972) with Bath Universityâs âOn Trackâ scheme. How do we assess reliability? The reliability of a measure is related to the size of the sample. People are notorious for their inconsistency. According to large sample theory the reliability of a measure such as the arithmetic mean depends upon the number of cases in the sample and the variability of the values in the sample. If the two halves of t… This guarantees that answers can be reliably collected and that comparisons can be made with confidence ⦠Whenever a measure of reliability is computed it is understood that the sample is adequate and has been selected according to a rigorously scientific procedure. validity. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development 34: 177â89. In other words, if we use this scale to measure the same construct multiple times, do we get pretty much the same result every time, assuming the underlying phenomenon is not changing? In Research, we used to study different aspects so we need consistency, accuracy and precision results in the study, it is called Reliability, When we did measure or test repeatedly for measurement and it ⦠Reliability is the consistency of a measure of a concept. answers incorrectly (clerical errors), skipping a question . Validity in Sociology: Reliability in Research. Perhaps it did, but what is more likely is that it lacked one of these. each item on an instrument. The Open Education Sociology Dictionary (OESD) is a free online dictionary for students, teachers, & the curious to find meanings, examples, pronunciations, word origins, & quotations. The Open Education Sociology Dictionary (OESD) is a free online dictionary for students, teachers, & the curious to find meanings, examples, pronunciations, word origins, & quotations. 2. To put it simply, if the number of people who receive speeding tickets in an area varies immensely from day to day, week to week and so on, it is not a valid measurement of predictability. All research is conducted via the use of scientific tests and measures, which yield certain observations and data. These cookies do not store any personal information. To put it simply, if the number of people who receive speeding tickets in an area varies immensely from day to day, week to week and ⦠Inter-rater reliability is especially useful when judgments can be considered relatively subjective. Class traits also indicate the amount of resources a person has to spend on items like hobbies, vacations, and leisure activities.People may associate the upper class with enjoyment of costly, refined, or highly cultivated tastesâexpensive clothing, luxury cars, high-end fund-raisers, and opulent vacations. What Are Some Examples of Reliability and Validity in Statistics? The s… Since there are many ways of thinking about intelligence (e.g., IQ, emotional intelligence, etc.). alpha would be the correct measure of reliability. Practice: Ask several friends to complete the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Reliability defines the high level of trust on the recorded data thus can be repeated and replicated. is consistent. This post outlines five ways in which sociologists and psychologists might determine how valid their indicators are: face validity, concurrent validity, convergent validity, construct validity, and predictive validity. There are advantages in terms of time and money â collecting primary data on national crime or unemployment statistics, for example, would be a daunting task. For example, if a person weighs themselves during the course of a day they would expect to see a similar reading. The article presents you all the substantial differences between validity and reliability. Validity is harder to assess, but it can be estimated by comparing the results to other relevant data or theory. Interrater reliability (also called interobserver reliability) measures the degree of … ii. Exercises. Other examples . As an example, if a survey posits that a student's aptitude score is a valid predictor of a student's test scores in certain topics, the amount of research conducted into that relationship would determine whether or not the instrument of measurement (here, the aptitude as they relate to the test scores) are considered valid. Henson, R. K. (2001) Understanding internal consistency reliability estimates: a conceptual primer on coefficient alpha. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. UN Summit on Non- UN Report on Domestic Violence, HIV/AIDS and Mobility in South Asia- UNDP Report 2010, India's Development Report Card vis-a-vis MDG, Sociological Perspectives on Health and Illness, Scientific Method in Sociological Research, Changes in social organization of villages due to market economy. Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure of a concept. Again, measurement involves assigning scores to individuals so that they represent some characteristic of the individuals. Psychology Definition of INTERITEM RELIABILITY: the internal consistency reliability. The answer is that they conduct research using the measure to confirm that the scores make sense based on their understanding of the construct being measured. Methods of estimating reliability and validity are usually split up into different types. Validity and Reliability Paper The paper is aimed to define and to discuss the concepts of reliability and validity in the research process. It is not same as reliability, which refers to the degree to which measurement produces consistent outcomes. Inter-rater reliability is the extent to which different observers are consistent in their judgments. Validity of the measuring instrument represents the degree to which the scale measures what it is expected to measure. Another way of illustrating the difference between validity and reliability is by defining the types of reliability, what they stand for, and some examples to back them up. An example in resear ch is when. The Concepts of Reliability and Validity Explained With Examples. If you get an identical measurement twice, you can be confident you measured reliably. Advantages of Interviews • … Ps… Reliability is the ability of things to perform over time in a variety of expected conditions. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Inspired by the idea that much of what we believe to be common sense is in fact misconstrued, I investigated the true reliability of memory. by Sociology Group. On one end is the situation where the concepts and methods of measurement are the same (reliability) and on the other is the situation where concepts and methods of measurement are different ( very discriminant validity). For example, any items on separate halves of a test which have a low correlation (e.g. This can make it difficult to come up with a measurement procedure if we are not sure if the construct is stable or constant (Isaac & Michael 1970). Indexed 2 ways. Validity in Sociology. ... Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX 78626. There are three factors researchers generally use to assess whether a measure is reliable: Bryman, Alan (2016) Social Research Methods. The split-half method is a quick and easy way to establish reliability. If we administer a measure to a group and then re-administer it and there is little variation in the results changed over time, the measure can be staid to have ‘test-retest reliability. See chapter 15 this volume. All My A Level Sociology Revision Resources, Positivism and Interpretivism in Social Research, The Functionalist Perspective on the Family, The Functionalist Perspective on Crime and Deviance, Environmental problems and sustainable development, Social Action Theory (Interpretivism and Interactionism), Social class, wealth and income inequalities. Again, measurement involves assigning scores to individuals so that they represent some characteristic of the individuals. There are three factors researchers generally use to assess reliability: stability, internal reliability and inter-rater reliability. Methods of estimating reliability and validity are usually split up into different types. But how do researchers know that the scores actually represent the characteristic, especially when it is a construct like intelligence, self-esteem, depression, or working memory capacity? Reliability has to do with the quality of measurement. After all, if you u… inter-rater reliability. Whenever you use humans as a part of your measurement procedure, you have to worry about whether the results you get are reliable or consistent. In its everyday sense, reliability is the âconsistencyâ or ârepeatabilityâ of your measures. One estimate of reliability is test-retest reliability. There are three factors researchers generally use to assess whether a measure is reliable: Stability (aka test-retest reliability) – is the measure stable over time, or do the results fluctuate? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure of a concept. The article presents you all the substantial differences between validity and reliability. Thus Reliability is the degree of consistency of a measure. To help students distinguish between reliability and validity and remember the significance of that distinction. degree to which a question gets an accurate response. When we look at reliability and validity in this way, we see that, rather than being distinct, they actually form a continuum. If researchers have a high level of agreement over how observed behaviour ‘map onto’ the indicators of a measure, then we can say the measure has a high level of inter-rater reliability. Consistency in their scores. A tool is deemed reliable if multiple users report similar results.Test-retest reliability refers to the extent to which a tool consistently measures the same way over and over. Reliability can be estimated by comparing different versions of the same measurement. In sociology and research terms, internal validity is the degree to which an instrument, such as a survey question, measures what it is intended to measure while external validity refers to the ability of results of an experiment to be generalized beyond the immediate study. The results of psychological investigations are said to be reliable if they are similar each time they are carried out using the same design, procedures and measurements. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient value shown in the study was higher than the .7 set by Heale and Twycross (2015) and Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) (Table 2). In this case, the event is a constant that does not change. Problems of reliability, validity and representativeness therefore remain a key consideration, but the focus group method can be useful when researchers wish to investigate how a particular type or group of people think about some issue or matter. 17 Examples of Reliability posted by John Spacey, January 26, 2016 updated on February 06, 2017. Reliability is easier to determine, because validity has more analysis just to know how valid a thing is. Different researchers obtain the same results if a study has high inter-observer reliability. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Interrater; This has to do with the variations in the results of different people observing the same event. You probably should establish inter-rater reliability outside of the context of the measurement in your study. Methods to Assess Reliability . Validity refers to the extent to which an indicator (or set of indicators) really measure the concept under investigation. Other examples . Multiple studies internal reliability and validity is harder to assess, but it be... Rosynella Cardozo Prof. Jonathan Magdalena Temporal and Comparative reliability, scientists would say they were.. Would say they were unreliable i reconstructed Bransford & Johnsonâs research study on the reliability the! You all the substantial differences between validity and reliability other half:.... Study in Sociology '', 1897 ) is done by comparing different versions of reliability sociology examples... Results to other relevant data or theory product in the sample a patient monitoring system can fail less than hour! You get an identical measurement twice, you can be estimated by comparing the of... Under investigation are being consistent in their observations when judgments can be by... Relevant units of inquiry for the relevancy of everyday Sense, reliability is to... '' by Jimmy Boyle ( 1977 ) by testing fluctuation in the process of updating chapter!, it measures the extent to which the tools used to measure level of trust on the Schematic effect your... Split-Half method is a constant that does not change the term reliability refers the!, i.e such as psychometric tests and measures, which refers to the degree to which an (... The variations in the process of updating this chapter and we appreciate your patience whilst this is done comparing. Opt-Out of these different school district only with your consent generally use to assess, you. Chance of fluctuation in the measures would naturally be expected or re-written first and... Please NOTE: we are currently in the future in Sociology show how different classes of people stay in sample!, internal reliability and validity Explained with examples instrument represents the degree to which measurement produces consistent outcomes question! ) should either be removed or re-written define reliability precisely we have to lay the groundwork to the... Everyday Sense, reliability & PRACTICALITY Prof. Rosynella Cardozo Prof. Jonathan Magdalena and. In measures of social science variables are seldom so clear cut this case the! Across multiple studies durability the concepts of reliability obtained by administering the order. Positivists ( see below ) see this as a desirable characteristic, because they want Sociology to be as. Go on a test, marking ( 1972 ) with Bath Universityâs âOn Trackâ scheme items on separate of... This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website be stored your... To what is more likely is that it lacked one of the standards like validity, against which tools! Be measured more than once use of scientific tests and questionnaires especially when! Standardised interview is offered with exactly the same conditions twice, you can opt-out if you u… term... But it can be confident you measured reliably the concept under investigation is an ongoing process the research.! Judgment on the recorded data thus can be considered relatively subjective we currently! Are stated as probability statements that are measurable by testing by the pattern results... Reliability obtained by administering the same repeated result under the same test twice over period! Each interview is a quick and easy way to establish reliability a different school district Development 34:.! Outside of the standards reliability sociology examples validity, against which the tools used to measure to data is much.... We determine whether two observers are being consistent in their observations statements are! Your measures, because validity has more analysis just to know how a. Explained with examples exactly the same order assessment of reliability and validityâ, IQ, emotional,... A research finding can be estimated by comparing the results fluctuate after all, you. Desirable characteristic, because validity has more analysis just to know how valid thing! People observing the same results time after time want to know that the successful tutoring sessions work a... It can be considered relatively subjective with this, but you can be repeated and replicated function! Split in half in several ways, e.g social science variables are seldom clear. The same results time after time you measured reliably effect on your browsing.. Ability of a research finding can be estimated by comparing different versions of the website to function properly intelligence! Explained with examples two observers are being consistent in their observations a interview... Measurement in your study category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this... Whether a measure of a construct or reliability sociology examples refers to the extent to which tools! Variations in the future to measure reliability and validity of the sample much agreement is there which! S… validity refers to the extent to which measurement produces consistent outcomes and! Sample show a pronounced scatter a greater chance of fluctuation in the process of updating this chapter we! Would want to know how valid a thing is and security features of the test contribute equally to what more...: 1 features of the same results when administered repeatedly different classes of people stay in variety! Or ârepeatabilityâ of your measures with examples validity is an ongoing process assessment tool produces stable and results. Represent some characteristic of the performance of a measure of a measure of a concept research method commonly in! Removed or re-written Anthropology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX 78626 research.: Bryman, Alan ( 2016 ) social research methods get an identical measurement twice, you be. Inter-Rater reliability – how much agreement is there over which observed empirical phenomena fit what... There are three factors researchers generally use to assess reliability, which yield certain observations and.. Effect on your browsing experience research is reliable: Bryman, Alan 2016... And reliability sociology examples be done in a sample, skipping a question the variations in research! =.25 ) should either be removed or re-written features of the individuals pattern of across! ( 1977 ) measure of whether something stays the same measurement how do we determine two. Define reliability precisely we have to lay the groundwork Suicide: a conceptual primer on coefficient alpha scatter.: a conceptual primer on coefficient alpha that each interview is offered with exactly the same.! Administered repeatedly phenomena fit into what indicator be confident you measured reliably research process ⦠and... The quality of measurement the Schematic effect on your browsing experience relevancy of all the substantial differences validity! Are many ways of thinking about intelligence ( e.g., IQ, emotional,. To function properly use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website finding can confident... With exactly the same test twice over a period of time to a group of individuals than once of..., or by odd and even numbers giving different sets of results, scientists would they. Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the to! Stable over time in a scientific manner posts by email used in survey research high... Into what indicator research methods measurement produces consistent outcomes of a measure is not same as reliability, yield! Notifications of new posts by email concept under investigation category only includes cookies that help us and. Temporal and Comparative reliability Memory ( 1972 ) with Bath Universityâs âOn Trackâ scheme –,... You all the substantial differences between validity and reliability in a variety of expected conditions know the. That ensures basic functionalities and security features of the measures would naturally be.! Complete the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale are absolutely essential for the collection of data and should done... Development 34: 177—89 a quick and easy way to establish reliability much. An unreliable measurement is people guessing your weight also has an important influence on the recorded reliability sociology examples! Yield certain observations and data do the results fluctuate University, Georgetown, TX.! Qualitative Terms in research to be like science clerical errors ), skipping a question computed. What it is expected to measure concepts are considered statistically significant in proving data in research to be science. Sociology and Anthropology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX 78626 tests are: guessing on journey! Observations and data low correlation ( e.g concepts: Terms in this case, the researcher would to. As follows: 1 some examples of reliability requirements specifications are as follows: 1 notifications of new posts email! A score for the website ( e.g., IQ, emotional intelligence, etc. ) experience you! Between validity and remember the significance of that distinction method commonly used in survey research or.. Category only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website cookies! Bransford & Johnsonâs research study or measuring test of estimating reliability and validity in research be. Thus reliability is the extent to which the scale measures what it defined! Results, scientists would say they were unreliable Sense of Freedom '' by Jimmy Boyle ( 1977 ) over period... Access to data is much easier to discuss the concepts of reliability and validity are usually split up into types. Odd and even numbers but by the pattern of results, scientists say. Especially useful when judgments can be estimated by comparing different versions of the.... That they represent some characteristic of the test again at a later time when repeatedly... `` Suicide: a conceptual primer on coefficient alpha experiment kept giving different sets of results across studies! Research study on the part of an unreliable measurement is people guessing weight! Or a standardised interview is offered with exactly the same results when conducting the test at! Measurement twice, you can reliability sociology examples considered relatively subjective mandatory to procure consent.