noun · academic
reliability
UK/rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪlɪti/US/rɪˌlaɪəˈbɪləti/re·li·a·BIL·i·ty
the extent to which a measure or test produces consistent results over time
Examples
“The reliability of the questionnaire was tested with a pilot sample.”
“Low reliability means results vary too much between trials.”
“We improved reliability by standardising the procedure.”
Band 8 sentence
“The study's conclusions were undermined by poor reliability in the measurement instruments.”
Collocations
- high reliability
- test reliability
- ensure reliability
Word family
Common mistakes
I checked the validity of the test when I meant reliability→Distinguish: reliability = consistency; validity = measuring the right thing
The tool is reliability→The tool is reliable / The tool has high reliability
Say it for a higher band
5trust→6consistency→7+reliability
Synonyms
consistency
Easily confused
validity
“We must assess both the reliability and validity of the measurement instrument.”
Related words
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In Science & Research
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