An ear temperature probe that consistently reports body temperature at a degree lower than the patient's actual temperature has what type of reliability or validity problem?
A) Reduced reliability, systematic error
B) Reduced validity, random error
C) Increased validity, systematic error
D) Increased validity, random error

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The probe has a reliability issue because it consistently (systematically) reports body temperature at a degree lower than the actual temperature, indicating a systematic error. Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure, and systematic error affects this consistency by biasing the measurements in a consistent direction.

An Ear Temperature Probe That Consistently Reports Body Temperature at a Degree