In psychological research, which term is used to define the consistency of measurements over time?

The term that defines the consistency of measurements over time is reliability. In psychological research, reliability refers to the degree to which an assessment tool produces stable and consistent results. This means that if the same study or measurement is repeated under the same conditions, it should yield similar outcomes. High reliability is crucial because it ensures that the findings of a study can be trusted as they are not due to random variations.

For example, if a psychological test is designed to measure anxiety levels, it should provide similar scores for the same individual when administered multiple times, assuming their anxiety level has not changed. There are various methods to measure reliability, including test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency.

While validity pertains to whether a test measures what it intends to measure, reliability specifically addresses the consistency of the measurement itself. Reactivity refers to changes in behavior when participants know they are being studied, and generalizability involves the extent to which research findings can be applied to settings beyond the study context. Thus, reliability is foundational in psychology as it underpins the credibility and interpretability of research results.