Which statement BEST describes a test with high reliability and low validity?

Which statement BEST describes a test with high reliability and low validity?

• A. High reliability and low validity
• B. Low reliability and high validity
• C. Low reliability and low validity
• D. High reliability and high validity

Answer: (A)

High reliability means the test gives consistent results across trials or raters, while low validity means it doesn’t actually measure the intended concept. So a test can be very precise and repeatable, yet miss the mark on what you’re trying to assess. If the scores are stable but don’t reflect the true construct you want to measure, you have high reliability with low validity. For example, a measurement tool that yields the same score every time but that score doesn’t correspond to the actual ability or outcome you’re interested in would fit this situation. In short, the best description is a test that is consistent but not measuring the right thing.

High reliability means the test gives consistent results across trials or raters, while low validity means it doesn’t actually measure the intended concept. So a test can be very precise and repeatable, yet miss the mark on what you’re trying to assess. If the scores are stable but don’t reflect the true construct you want to measure, you have high reliability with low validity. For example, a measurement tool that yields the same score every time but that score doesn’t correspond to the actual ability or outcome you’re interested in would fit this situation. In short, the best description is a test that is consistent but not measuring the right thing.