3.

6 Reliability of Test or Instrument

  

 Factors Affecting the Reliability of Tests

 (Source: Gabuyo, 2012 and Conception,2012)

     

 1.    Length of the test.

 It must be noted that an increased number of test items the test contains, the greater
will be its reliability and vice-versa. Thus, Shorter tests are less reliable.

  2.    Moderate item difficulty. Test items that are too easy or too difficult for the group
members will tend to produce scores of low reliability. This is because both the tests
have a restricted spread of scores.

  3.    Objective scoring. The more objective a test is, the fewer random errors there will
be in scoring. When using a subjective format, such as an essay test, a scoring rubric is
needed to make the scoring more objective and reliable.

  4.    Heterogeneity of the student group. A homogenous group of pupils leads to

lower reliability and vice-versa.

  5.    Limited time. A test is apt to be more reliable if it takes a long time. Limited time
might affect the test-takers; the scores will vary from one situation to another.