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Evaluation of research studies. Part IV: Validity and reliability--concepts and application
1Department of Community and Family Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093.
Journal of Nurse-Midwifery
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Validity and reliability are key in clinical research. Validity ensures an instrument measures accurately, while reliability guarantees consistent, error-controlled data collection for trustworthy results.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Research Methodology
- Biomedical Measurement Science
Background:
- Understanding measurement properties is crucial for valid clinical research.
- Distinguishing between validity and reliability is essential for selecting appropriate research instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and differentiate the concepts of validity and reliability in applied clinical research.
- To elucidate the implications of validity and reliability for the selection and use of measurement instruments.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of validity and reliability within the clinical research context.
- Explanation of different types of validity (content, criterion, construct) and their relevance.
- Discussion of reliability as the control of random error in measurement.
Main Results:
- Validity pertains to the accuracy of what an instrument measures.
- Reliability refers to the consistency and precision of data obtained from an instrument.
- Reliability is a prerequisite for validity; an unreliable instrument cannot be valid.
Conclusions:
- Researchers must select instruments demonstrating appropriate validity and reliability for their specific application.
- The integrity of clinical research findings depends on the judicious selection of validated and reliable measurement tools.