difference between reliability and validity in assessment

To address this, you must only change X, and see what happens to Y. If you allow other changes at the same time, then you cannot make a valid conclusion about how X affected Y, since Y may have been affected by the other changes as well. The experiment is ultimately testing a relationship between cause and effect: how changing X affects Y. The equipment must be suitable for carrying out the experiment and taking the necessary measurements.

Several aspects of the experiment can contribute to validity: the equipment, the experimental method, and the analysis of the results.Īlthough it may seem obvious, the appropriate equipment needs to be used.

“Am I actually measuring what I’m trying to measure?”.

“Does it test what it’s meant to test?” or.

Validity relates to the experimental method and how appropriate it is in addressing the aim of the experiment:

When writing the method of an experiment, you must ensure that each step of the method incorporates reliability, accuracy or validity.

T&Cs and Privacy Policy.Īn experiment is a set of measurements that are analysed to test a link or relationship between different things. The measurements are usually analysed in an experimental report, which is set out in a clear format to help the reader understand different aspects of the experiment, like the aim, the equipment and method used, the results obtained, how they were analysed, and what conclusions can be drawn.

Difference between reliability and validity in assessment