In psychological research methods, what is the difference between reliability and validity?

The reliability of a research method refers to the consistency of a measure being used, and the ability to replicate that method e.g. someone who weighed them self throughout the day, would expect to see a similar reading each time. The two types of reliability are internal and external. And the validity of a research method refers to whether or not it measures what it claims to measure e.g. a test of intelligence should measure intelligence, and there is also internal and external validity.

EW
Answered by Eleanor W. Psychology tutor

2251 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Briefly outline Milgram's study on obedience (6 marks)


What's the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?


Evaluate one treatment for phobias from the learning approach – Systematic Desensitisation (12 marks)


What is a type 1 error? Explain why psychologists use the significance level of 0.05 in research (3 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences