In general, it is considered that the results of an investigation will be valid when the study is free of errors”(Villasís-Keever, 2018).ĭetermining validity is essential for all research.
On the other hand, in an investigation, the concept of validity “refers to what is true or what is close to the truth. Therefore, if an anxiety test that claims to measure you doesn’t perform, then it’s invalid. If we couldn’t make such a measurement, then the scale wouldn’t be valid for that specific task. However, when we refer to it in the field of psychometry, we refer to the degree to which the instrument measures the variable to be measured (Hernández-Sampieri, Fernández & Baptista, 2014).įor example, if a scale allows us to know the weight of an object, we can affirm that it’s valid to the extent that it fulfills the function for which it was designed. In order to understand a little about the distinction between validity and reliability, you need to know what they are. However, how do, validity and reliability differ? In fact, using more or less valid or reliable instruments can add or subtract value to a study itself.
Validity and reliability are two key constructs in the analysis of the results produced by psychological studies.
