Reliability vs. validity in measurement
A new depression screening questionnaire produces nearly identical scores when the same participants complete it two weeks apart, but its scores correlate weakly with diagnoses from structured clinical interviews. The questionnaire is best described as:
Answer B: explanation for every choice
A
This reverses the two properties. A measure also cannot be valid without being reliable.
B
Correct. Consistent scores over time show high test–retest reliability. A weak correlation with the gold-standard interview shows poor criterion validity.
C
The stable scores across two weeks demonstrate reliability.
D
It fails criterion validity because it does not agree with the reference standard.
TakeawayReliability is necessary but not sufficient for validity.
Next question →
Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID ps3.