What is the difference between reliability and validity?

Reliability is about whether the same result would be found if the experiment was repeated. An experiment must be replicable if it is to be reliable. One way to remember this is 'reliability requires replicability'.

On the other hand. validity is about whether the experiment is measuring what it says it is measuring. You can have a test that is very reliable, which suggests good things about the experiment, but the test may not actually have validity - it may be testing a completely different pattern/relationship. 

PH
Answered by Phoebe H. Psychology tutor

23389 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss one strength and one limitation of the biological approach (4 marks)


Explain the process of classical conditioning with reference to a child's attachment to their parent


What is stress?


Name one behavioural therapy that can be used to treat phobias? Critically evaluate.


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning