Is Reliability Important?

Reliability in research is given this definition from Collins dictionary “The extent in which a test produces the same results with different investigators, observers or administrator over a period of time. If consistent results are produced then the research is considered reliable.”

When research is carried out it may be tested for its reliability. This can be carried out by repeating the test in which data has been collected from to see if the results are consistent and can be repeated to match the first results. Reliability can be tested in different ways. One example is Internal reliability. Internal reliability focus on all the factors in how the research has been collected. Then one factors would be selected and tested for the original question and if it is reliable then this once factor will relate to the original results. When a individual is testing research for its reliability they must always make sure that they are testing it reliably as well to ensure mistakes are not made.

When psychologists are carrying out data mistakes can happen, for example data can be mis-interpreted. This research may then be published in scientific journals for the world to see. This `false` research will be used to further progress in science and may lead to further research in the area the research is based upon.

Some psychologist may `forge` the data they have collected. This may be because the data does not support their original hypothesis in which they formed based on their own personal opinion. I think that some people cannot accept failure and forget the importance of reliability in research.

“A failure is not always a mistake; it may simply be the best one can do under the circumstances. The real mistake is to stop trying.” – B. F Skinner.

But why is this important?

             If this research is published then it is false and mis-leading Consequences can occur in the future direction of research as people adapt to research findings and society is changed is by them. This shows the importance of why reliability is important. If this data was tested properly in the right conditions for its reliability by repeating the test in which the data was collected then it would have showed how un-reliable it is.

Evidence of `false` research include psychologists that have forged data related to anti-aging. This research has been published in scientific journals. The research has  mis-lead further research and set up false hope in progressing in this field of science. A consequence of this can lead to set-backs in this research area as researchers basically have to form another foundation to build progress on.

Why is reliability important? Because it adds strength to the research and evidence towards the hypothesis. But only if tested correctly.

However if the validity is not correct in research how is an individual ever going to prove the reliability of it?