When researchers want to measure test-retest reliability/precision, they must assume test takers' ability will ______.
A) not change between the first administration and the second administration
B) increase between the first administration and the second administration
C) decrease between the first administration and the second administration
D) be affected by the order they took the tests

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability/precision is measured by administering the same test to the same group of participants at two different points in time and comparing their scores. To ensure that the measure is reliable, researchers must assume that the participants' ability or performance on the test has not changed significantly between the two administrations of the test. Therefore, option A is the best choice. Options B and C are not correct as they suggest that the participants' ability has either increased or decreased over time, which would not be ideal for measuring test-retest reliability/precision. Option D is also not correct as the order of administering the test should be randomized to avoid any order effects.

When Researchers Want to Measure Test-Retest Reliability/precision, They Must Assume