Question

What is meant by the terms validity and reliability? What is the difference between the two terms? How do both affect generalizability? Use an example to support your explanation.

Answer 1

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Validity refers to accuracy: are you measuring what you say you are.

Reliability refers to the likelihood of obtaining the same result using the same measure the next time.

A measure can be valid but not reliable. For example, if we use a scale or index to measure attitudes towards homosexuality or religiosity, we may get results that are accurate at the time they are answered, but those answers might change over time. The book uses the example of satisfaction with life. On the other hand, a measure can be reliable but not valid. T

Since most research uses some kind of sample, the degree to which we can generalize the results to the larger population require that the results be both valid and reliable. If the results are not valid, or accurate, we cannot say how the larger population will be affected.

For example, if our sample is biased and we only ask White males about their attitudes towards homosexuality, the results will not be valid for the total population. Likewise, if our results cannot be replicated from one time, place, or group to another, we cannot apply those results to the larger population. For example, if there are regional differences regarding homosexuality, a survey that is valid in the South is not reliable across the entire country, so we cannot generalize to the total U.S. population.

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