Consistency of individual performances is an important requirement for most dependent variables. If one measures performance on a relatively unreliable test, the probability of obtaining significant results attributable to the effects of an independent variable is poor. Lack of internal consistency in the dependent variable leads, in general, to an underestimate of the action of an independent variable. In the investigation of learning, however, a constant level of performance scores is neither expected nor desired. By definition, changes in performance are expected between repeated tests or trials. When a learning task is employed as a measure, the more sensitive task is the one on which 5s' ranks remain relatively constant from trial to trial or from one stage of learning to another. A task on which ,5*3 vary widely in rank position from one stage of learning to another will be an insensitive indicator of the action of an independent variable.Carr (2, 3) has emphasized some of the practical and theoretical hazards that often occur in interpreting learning task reliabilities; however, if precautions are taken, the reliability figures undoubtedly contribute materially to the use of the task in question. In addition, the availability of reliability coefficients makes it possible to assess the effects of minor changes in the apparatus. For example, both Leeper (8) and Ruch (10) have demonstrated the increased reliability of animal mazes when retrace doors are added. McNemar (9, p. 122) has discussed the problem of the meaningfulness of reliability determination for learning tasks.The aim of the present investigation was to determine the reliability characteristics of the object-quality discrimination task in order to improve the usefulness of the test as a dependent variable.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.