Why is reliability important in research?
Think of reliability as consistency or repeatability in measurements. Not only do you want your measurements to be accurate (i.e., valid), you want to get the same answer every time you use an instrument to measure a variable. This makes reliability very important for both social sciences and physical sciences.
How do you determine reliability in research?
A simple correlation between two scores from the same person is one of the simplest ways to estimate a reliability coefficient. If the scores are taken at different times, then this is one way to estimate test-retest reliability; Different forms of the test given on the same day can estimate parallel forms reliability.
How do you know if a source is reliable?
There are several main criteria for determining whether a source is reliable or not.1) Accuracy. Verify the information you already know against the information found in the source. 2) Authority. Make sure the source is written by a trustworthy author and/or institution. 3) Currency. 4) Coverage.
What five questions should I ask when I read a research article to evaluate my sources?
Accuracy: How accurate is the information?Was the information reviewed by others before being published? Does it contain spelling mistakes and grammatical errors?What citations or references support the author’s claims?Is it fact or opinion? Do the authors leave out important facts or alternative perspectives?
How do you find information and evaluate its source?
Evaluate Your ResultsLook for articles published in scholarly journals. or sources that require certain standards or criteria be met before publication.Look for materials at Web sites that focus on scholarly resources. (e.g. Google Scholar)Compare several opinions. Consult your instructor.