Measurement as Systematic and Replicable Process - Essay Example

Reliability and validity are related i.e. closely inter-dependent. Although validity cannot exist without reliability, the latter can exist without validity. Some of the systematic factors that affect both the reliability and validity of measurement include presence of unsystematic events, systematic inconsistency and the change in the event being measured.

The unsystematic threats to reliability include subject reliability, situational reliability, observer reliability, instrument reliability and data processing reliability (Klaus, Boyle and Simon, 13). Some of the factors to consider in ensuring reliability and validity include time and money, the difference in the measurement expected, and reference to a previously validated measure. Some of the measures that can be applied in the improvement of the validity and reliability include ensuring that the goals are vividly defined and put into practice, matching the assessment measures to the set goals and objectives, presenting the tests for review to other interested parties, actively involving all participants in a measurement exercise, and comparing the measure with other measures that are available.