The purpose of this research is to discuss the validity and reliability of measurement instruments that are used in research. Validity. While establishing validity and reliability, it is very important to decide the tools and techniques to be used in the research, before conducting the actual research. Research Validity . But basically, validity boils down to whether the research is really measuring what it claims to be measuring. Internal validity dictates how an experimental design is structured and encompasses all of the steps of the scientific research method. Excerpt from Research Paper : Concepts of Reliability and Validity in Business Research Introduction In business research, how evidence is obtained and how well the process can be duplicated to verify results are two important features that help scholars, professionals and stakeholders make progress in … Instead, they collect data to demonstrate that they work. Reliability and validity are the two most important characteristics of the research. References. Every research whether it is in social science or physical science, literature or art there should be reliability and validity in the research. The answer is that they conduct research using the measure to confirm that the scores make sense based on their understanding of the construct being measured. Reliability and validity are the two most important and fundamental features in the evaluation of any measurement instrument or tool for a good research. Kumar, R. (2000.a) Research Methodology. For example, a survey designed to explore depression but which actually measures anxiety would not be considered valid. Psychologists do not simply assume that their measures work. Using tests or instruments that are valid and reliable to measure such constructs is a crucial component of research quality. In particular, many research mistakes occur due to problems associated with research validity and research reliability. Internal validity and reliability are at the core of any experimental design. This helps in establishing the parameters for obtaining reliable and valid results from the beginning and does not impair the results of the research at the end of the process. In health care and social science research, many of the variables of interest and outcomes that are important are abstract concepts known as theoretical constructs. Even if your results are great, sloppy and inconsistent design will compromise your integrity in the eyes of the scientific community. Sage Pub. Validity is defined as the extent to which a concept is accurately measured in a quantitative study. This is an extremely important point. This problem with data gathering represents several concepts that to the non-researcher may be quite complex. Reliability and Validity in Quantitative Research “Reliability and validity are tools of an essentially positivist epistemology.” (Watling, as cited in Winter, 200, p. 7) Reliability . London. Validity concerns what an instrument measures, and how well it does so.