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Reliability-Definition of Reliability

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Updated September 20, 2011

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Definition: Reliability is a term used to describe the properties of tests and measures. The reliability of a test or measure refers to its degree of stability, consistency and repeatability.

Example: The Children's Depression Inventory is considered a reliable measure if your child receives a similar score when he takes it on more than one occasion in a different setting.

Types of Reliability: There are many types of reliability. Two common types of reliability are:

  1. Test-Retest Reliability: Determined by the consistency of a score after repeat administration of a test under different circumstances.
  2. Interscorer Reliability: Determined by the consistency of scores between different scorers or raters.

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