5 Tips for testing Reliability of Instruments

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• Reliability of research instrument in research paper writing means it renders similar results for the same group even when you alter conditions.

• It is tested by means of pilot tests but must have similar characteristics to the population targeted for research.

• You need to determine reliability of an instrument to be sure you get perfect data in research paper writing in any course.

• Remember; having perfect data is the best way to getting perfect results. If the results are still imperfect and are sure the instrument is reliable, you may need to check other aspects of research.

• Notice that you may need to replace instrument if it is not reliable.

• Tip 1: Pick an appropriate number of people for the study

• Do not pick a very large sample or a very small sample for research. The sample picked should be of about 15-20 people.

• It means delaying research paper writing, which comes with its consequences.

• Tip 2: Ensure characteristics of pilot sample are similar to targeted population

• The intention of the pilot sample is to purposely test the instrument. However, you must test the instrument based on what population is anticipated for research.

• Although it is not the main reason, you get an experience of results for the first time. Administration of this instrument should be twice.

• Tip 2: Allow some time before repeating tests

• After the first test, you require carrying out another one. You need to allow about seven or ten days before administering another test. This is the best way to ensure changes of any sort will not interfere with accuracy and reliability of the instrument.

• Note that you may need to plan time for research paper writing, if you must turn in the paper within a given period.

• Several students cannot get good results because of failure to apportion enough time for various processes, such as testing instrument’s reliability.

• Tip 3: Make sure to administer test for all questions

• It is desirable to test reliability of instrument using many questions, in research paper writing. You then determine paired score for each question.

• Tip 4: Use percentage of agreement to test reliability

• You confirm reliability of an instrument if paired scores indicate high percentage of agreement.

• However, it is advisable to have an acceptable level, for instance, 70%.

• Tip 5: Revise or delete unnecessary questions

• For all the tests, make sure to delete or revise questions showing low percentage agreement for the instrument.

• However, this makes sense where only a few questions are affected. Otherwise, you may need to repeat testing if majority of the question need revision.

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