Reliability and Validity
Reliability, Validity and Accuracy - what do they mean?
(To be read in conjunction with an article originally published in Curriculum Support, Science, 2001 Vol. 6 No. 3)
Reliability and validity are two terms that continue to cause problems for teachers and students. Students in Stage 4/5 are required to evaluate evidence for reliability and validity. In Stage 6 they are required to discuss and explain how they would improve the validity and reliability of a first-hand investigation. They could also be asked about the validity and/or reliability of secondary sources of information.
With reference to first-hand data the glossary of terms on pages 76-78 of the Science Years 7-10 Syllabus defines the terms validity and reliability as follows:
|validity of first-hand data |The extent to which the processes and resultant data measure what was intended. |
|reliability of |The degree with which repeated observation and/or measurements taken under identical circumstances will |
|first-hand data |yield the same results. |
When discussing the accuracy of measurements a dictionary definition such as that provided in the Australian Oxford Dictionary is appropriate:
|accuracy |The exactness or precision of a measurement; relating to the degree of refinement in measurement or |
| |specification |
First-hand investigations:
In the context of students planning first-hand investigations, issues related to accuracy, reliability and validity will impact on the choice of the measuring device and how confident you are about the conclusions drawn from the results of the investigation.
The need for accuracy of data should influence the choice of equipment for
(To be read in conjunction with an article originally published in Curriculum Support, Science, 2001 Vol. 6 No. 3)
Reliability and validity are two terms that continue to cause problems for teachers and students. Students in Stage 4/5 are required to evaluate evidence for reliability and validity. In Stage 6 they are required to discuss and explain how they would improve the validity and reliability of a first-hand investigation. They could also be asked about the validity and/or reliability of secondary sources of information.
With reference to first-hand data the glossary of terms on pages 76-78 of the Science Years 7-10 Syllabus defines the terms validity and reliability as follows:
|validity of first-hand data |The extent to which the processes and resultant data measure what was intended. |
|reliability of |The degree with which repeated observation and/or measurements taken under identical circumstances will |
|first-hand data |yield the same results. |
When discussing the accuracy of measurements a dictionary definition such as that provided in the Australian Oxford Dictionary is appropriate:
|accuracy |The exactness or precision of a measurement; relating to the degree of refinement in measurement or |
| |specification |
First-hand investigations:
In the context of students planning first-hand investigations, issues related to accuracy, reliability and validity will impact on the choice of the measuring device and how confident you are about the conclusions drawn from the results of the investigation.
The need for accuracy of data should influence the choice of equipment for