What does reliability refer to in research methods?

Reliability in research methods pertains to the consistency and stability of measurement results over time and across different situations. When a measurement instrument is reliable, it produces the same results repeatedly under the same conditions. This means if researchers administer the same test or use the same measurement method on different occasions or in different samples, they should obtain comparable results, indicating that the measurement is dependable.

This concept is crucial because unreliable measurements can lead to erroneous conclusions about the data being studied. High reliability adds to the trustworthiness of the data, suggesting that any changes observed in the results are likely due to actual differences rather than fluctuations resulting from inconsistent measurement practices. Thus, focusing on reliability helps researchers ensure that their findings are valid reflections of the phenomena being studied, not artifacts of poor measurement tools.