A rationale for, and a relatively simple method of estimating the reliability of an observational method are described. A separate "reliability study," while not required, may be employed when examining data. Empirical findings show that high frequencies of occurrence are not necessary prerequisites for the reliable measurement of behavior.…

Results of this study indicate that the correlation between half-test scores over repeated splits, over persons, and over repeated testings resulting in different sets of observed scores, is given by Kuder-Richardson Formula 21. (RF)

This paper describes and compares procedures for estimating the reliability of proficiency tests that are scored with latent structure models. Results suggest that the predictive estimate is the most accurate of the procedures. (Author/BW)

A more general method for calculating the Kappa measure of nominal rating agreement among multiple raters is presented. It can be used across a broad range of rating designs, including those in which raters vary with respect to their base rates and how many subjects they rate in common. (Author/BW)

Evaluating a test's reliability often requires dividing it into 3 or more unequal parts, which causes violation of the tau equivalence assumption of Cronbach's alpha. This article presents a criterion for abandoning alpha and an approach for computing a more appropriate estimate of reliability, the Gilmer-Feldt coefficient. (Author)

Examined the reliability and validity of a career commitment measure using employees (N=266) of newspaper and insurance companies. Results showed career commitment could be reliably measured and was operationally distinct from job involvement and organizational commitment. Discusses findings in terms of meaning of career commitment. (Author/ABL)

Gulliksen's matched random subtests method is a graphical method to split a test into parallel test halves, allowing maximization of coefficient alpha as a lower bound to the classical test reliability coefficient. This problem is formulated as a zero-one programing problem solvable by algorithms that already exist. (TJH)

The idea of test consistency is illustrated, with reference to two sets of test scores. A mathematical model is used to explain the relative consistency and relative inconsistency of measurements, and a means of indexing reliability is derived using the model. Practical aspects of estimating reliability are considered. (TJH)

We make theoretical comparisons among five coefficients--Cronbach's [alpha], Revelle's [beta], McDonald's [omega][sub h], and two alternative conceptualizations of reliability. Though many end users and psychometricians alike may not distinguish among these five coefficients, we demonstrate formally their nonequivalence. Specifically, whereas…

Due to the relative inability of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) to provide an accurate and reliable self-report, assessment in this population is more difficult than with individuals in the general population. As such, assessment procedures must be adjusted to compensate for the relative lack of information that the individual can…