Reliability in psychological testing refers to what?

• A. Consistency of scores across time or forms or raters
• B. The accuracy of measurement for the intended construct
• C. The speed in completing the test
• D. The norms used to interpret scores

Answer: (D)

Reliability is about consistency in measurement. A reliable test yields similar results across different occasions or conditions: when the test is taken again (test-retest), when different forms are used (parallel forms), or when the scoring is done by different people (inter-rater). This stability across time, forms, or raters shows that the measurement process is dependable and not just a fluke of a single administration.

This concept is distinct from validity, which asks whether the test actually measures the intended construct. Among the options, the description of scores staying consistent across time, form, or raters best captures reliability. The idea of speed touches on practicality or administration, and norms used to interpret scores relate to standardization and interpretation, not consistency of measurement.