Longer tests comprising of more number of items tend to be more
- AOption (a)
valid
- BOption (b)
objective
- COption (c)
reliable
- DOption (d)
feasible
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Correct answer
reliable
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is 'reliable'
Key Points
- Reliability in longer tests:
- Reliability refers to the consistency of test results over repeated administrations or across different forms of the test.
- Longer tests with more items tend to be more reliable because they reduce the impact of random errors or variability. Each additional item contributes to the overall robustness of the measurement.
- When a test includes more items, it provides a broader sampling of the domain being assessed, which helps ensure that the test results are stable and consistent over time or across different groups of participants.
- The statistical principle behind this is the Spearman-Brown prophecy formula, which shows that adding more items to a test increases its reliability.
Additional Information
- Why other options are incorrect:
- Valid: While validity refers to how well a test measures what it is intended to measure, longer tests do not inherently make a test more valid. Validity depends on the quality and relevance of the test items rather than their quantity.
- Objective: Objectivity relates to the degree to which test results are free from personal biases. The number of items in a test does not directly impact its objectivity. Objectivity is more about the design and scoring of the test.
- Feasible: Feasibility refers to the practicality of administering the test, including time, cost, and effort. Longer tests can reduce feasibility as they require more time and resources to administer and score, making this option incorrect.
- Importance of reliability in testing:
- Reliability is a critical aspect of test construction because it ensures that the test consistently measures the intended characteristics or abilities.
- Reliable tests are essential for accurate decision-making, such as in educational assessments, employee evaluations, or psychological testing.