Reliable Tools to Measure Stress - Coursework Example

In determining the consistency, 70% or higher percentage is required. This refers to the coefficient of reliability. The coefficient reliability is a ratio measured between 0-1. 0 means no coefficient at all. Reliability of 1 means there is 100% efficiency. 0.7 is a standard, which is used to show reliability. It is also important to have 0.3 of the population misinterpreting the instrument used.

In order to come up with the most reliable test results, the research has identified the following three tools to test reliability, validity, and internal consistency.

Test-Retest Approach
This approach entails giving the test first and then providing a similar test after two weeks again to the same population. This will help in testing the reliability. The advantage is that the researcher is able to come up with fundamental and valid responses to the researchable item (Brunning JL, 1996). I support this method since it is able to give the exact data on stress since the exact population is being tested and retested.

Cronbach Alpha Reliable test
This tool will help in determining the reliability of the test used by gauging the internal consistency or average correlations of the data provided. Depending on the method of data collection used, the tool is able to scale down and predict the level of reliability (Santos, 1999). The advantage associated with this tool is that it is able to use a wide variety of data collection methods such as dichotomous or multi-questionnaires that are associated with a particular respondent.

Random Selection
A random selection of a control group and an experimental group while researching stress is a simple way of ensuring that a test is valid. This process ensures that the level of bias is limited therefore minimizing errors.

The above three testing materials and samples show greater advantages while minimizing all the errors. This is because the tests are more accurate and reliable.
Question 2
a) Research design
The research will involve both quantitative and quantitative studies in determining the number of students who are homeless and those who are housed. The research determines the effect of students who are homeless in comparison to the control group which includes the students who are continuously housed during their study period.

b) The sample for the study includes adolescent students who are both homeless and housed. The students will be obtained in both school and their residential area. Informed consent includes the need to ask for permission from their authorities and other relevant authority.

c) The information to be collected includes the effect of homelessness on adolescent children concerning academic performance. The dependent variable includes the homeless children while the independent variable includes the housed children. A correlation will be drawn to show the effect of homelessness on the performance and the general wellbeing of these students. Read More