A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What is external reliability primarily concerned with?

1. The consistency of results across repeated tests

2. The ability to generalize findings to larger populations

3. Consistency among different observers

4. The uniformity of results across test items

The correct answer is: The consistency of results across repeated tests

External reliability is primarily concerned with the consistency of results across repeated tests. This aspect of reliability focuses on whether the same results can be obtained when the same test, procedure, or measurement is used on different occasions under similar conditions. It is essential for ensuring that findings are stable and replicable over time, which strengthens the validity of the conclusions drawn from the research. Other options touch upon important aspects of research but do not align with the specific focus of external reliability. Generalizing findings to larger populations relates more to the representativeness of the sample than to reliability. Consistency among different observers refers to inter-rater reliability, which examines the degree to which different raters or observers agree on their assessments. Lastly, the uniformity of results across test items pertains to internal reliability, focusing on whether different parts of the same test yield similar results. Each of these areas is crucial in research methodology, but in the context of external reliability, the main concern is the repeatability of results over time.