Question

– Explain the purpose and necessity of validity and reliability in research. Carefully distinguish between the two terms.

Answer 1

Validity is the extent to which a research measures what it intended to measure. Validity is important in a research as it is an indicator that the findings of research are accurate , useful and can be generalized for a population. It can also be a measure of predictiction of a behaviour or event.

Reliability is the measure of how consistent a research is in its results. It is useful to establish that when taken under same conditions a research would yield same results.It is important to show that results are replicable and also check if we have enough data evidence , check and eliminate confounds if reliability is low.

Reliability and validity are important for a research but both are independent factors. A study can be reliable without being valid. Reliability measures consistency, validity measures accuracy of the study.