Which statement correctly contrasts reliability and validity?

Which statement correctly contrasts reliability and validity?

• A. Reliability concerns consistency; validity concerns whether the instrument measures the intended construct.
• B. They are the same concept.
• C. Validity concerns consistency; reliability concerns accuracy.
• D. Reliability concerns accuracy; validity concerns response rate.

Answer: (A)

Reliability covers consistency of a measurement across time, items, or raters, while validity asks whether the instrument actually measures the intended construct. The statement that reliability concerns consistency and validity concerns whether the instrument measures the intended construct captures this distinction well. In practice, you want a tool that yields stable, repeatable results and also truly reflects the concept you’re trying to assess. It’s important to remember that reliability is necessary but not sufficient for validity. The other ideas mix up or confuse these concepts, such as claiming they are the same, assigning reliability to accuracy, or tying validity to response rate.

Reliability covers consistency of a measurement across time, items, or raters, while validity asks whether the instrument actually measures the intended construct. The statement that reliability concerns consistency and validity concerns whether the instrument measures the intended construct captures this distinction well. In practice, you want a tool that yields stable, repeatable results and also truly reflects the concept you’re trying to assess. It’s important to remember that reliability is necessary but not sufficient for validity. The other ideas mix up or confuse these concepts, such as claiming they are the same, assigning reliability to accuracy, or tying validity to response rate.