Validity and reliability in quantitative studies

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Validity and reliability in quantitative studiesRoberta Heale,1Alison Twycross2Evidence-based practice includes, in part, implementa-tion of thefindings of well-conducted quality researchstudies. So being able to critique quantitative research isan important skill for nurses. Consideration must begiven not only to the results of the study but also therigourof the research. Rigour refers to the extent towhich the researchers worked to enhance the quality ofthe studies . In quantitative research, this is achievedthrough measurement of the Validity and defined as the extent to which a concept isaccurately measured in a quantitative study.

test is more accurate than the split-half test, but can only be completed on questions with two answers (eg, yes or no, 0 or 1).3 Cronbach’s α is the most commonly used test to determine the internal consistency of an instrument. In this test, the average of all correlations in every combin-ation of split-halves is determined. Instruments with

  Tests, Reliability, Instruments, Validity