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

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline Asch's (1951) experiment and the findings of the study.


What is the difference between an independent variable (IV) and a dependent variable (DV)?


Compare the developmental and cognitive areas of Psychology in terms of their aims of study and the studies completed in them.


Outline the learning model of addiction