Validity & Reliability
Differences between Validity and Reliability
Validity
Validity implies the extent to which the
research instrument measures, what it
is intended to measure.
It refers to the ability of the
instrument/test to measure what it is
supposed to measure.
It relates to the correct applicability of
the instrument/test/procedure in a
needed situation.
Can relate to question of ‘Does it
measure what it is supposed to
measure’?
Answers, ‘Is it the right instrument/test
for what I need to measure?’
Reliability
Reliability refers to the degree to which
assessment tool produces consistent
results, when repeated measurements are
made.
It refers to the reproducibility of the results
when repeated measurements are done.
It relates to the extent to which an
experiment, test or any procedure gives the
same result on repeated trials.
Can relate to question, ‘How representative
is the measurement’?
Answers, ‘Can the results obtained be
replicated if the test is repeated?’
Differences between Validity and Reliability
Validity
Validity looks at accuracy.
Validity mainly focuses on the outcome.
Influencing factors for validity are:
process, purpose, theory matters, logical
implications, etc.
Validity has more analysis and is harder
to achieve.
There cannot be validity without
reliability.
Even if validity of an instrument is poor
(for certain test), it can have high
reliability (for other tests)
Reliability
Reliability looks at
repeatability/consistency.
Reliability mainly focuses on maintaining
consistent result.
Influencing factors for reliability are:
test length, test score variability,
heterogenicity, etc.
Reliability is comparatively easier and
yields faster results.
There can be reliability without validity.
When reliability/repeatability is poor,
validity may also be poor. Thus,
usefulness of a test/experiments are
negligible.
 Differences between Validity and Reliability
Validity
If the results are not valid, the test is of no
use at all.
Examples of different types of validity are:
Reliability
If the results cannot be replicated, the test is
of little use.
Examples of different types of reliability are:

Face validity Test-retest reliability

Construct validity Parallel forms reliability
Content validity Intra rater reliability
Criterion validity Internal reliability
Concurrent validity External reliability
Convergent validity etc.
External validity
Internal validity
etc.

Face validity is when the tool appears to be Test-retest reliability is a measure of

measuring what it is supposed to measure reliability obtained by administering the same
with the content of test matching test twice over a period of time to a group of
instructional objectives. individuals.
 Differences between Validity and Reliability
Validity
Construct validity seeks the implications
between a theoretical concept and a specific
measuring device.
It includes constructs like concepts, ideas,
theories, etc.
Content validity is qualitative measure where
the actual content matches the measurement
which is a logical method of measurement.
Criterion validity is the measure where there
is correlation with the standards and the
assessment tool and yields a standard
outcome.
Reliability
Parallel forms reliability is a measure of
reliability obtained by administering different
versions of an assessment tool (both versions
must contain items that probe the same
construct, skill, knowledge base, etc.) to the
same group of individuals.
Intra rater reliability is a measure in which the
same assessment is completed by the same
rater on two or more occasions.
Internal consistency reliability is a measure
of reliability used to evaluate the degree to
which different test items that probe the same
construct produce similar results.