FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Assessment and CritiqueMedium
A ground school instructor gives the same written test to a group of students on two separate occasions a week apart, and the students' relative rank order of scores stays essentially the same both times. This consistency demonstrates which characteristic of a good test?
- AUsability
- BValidity
- CReliability
- DObjectivity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Reliability
Reliability refers to the consistency of test results over repeated administrations; a reliable test yields similar rankings/results each time it is given under similar conditions. Validity concerns whether the test measures what it is supposed to measure, which is a different quality.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Usability concerns practicality of administering and scoring the test.
- B. Validity is about measuring the intended content/objectives, not consistency across administrations.
- D. Objectivity concerns freedom from grader bias, not repeat-test consistency.
Reliability (Test Characteristic)
The degree to which a test produces consistent results when administered repeatedly under similar conditions.
- Consistency of scores/rankings over time
- Different from validity (measuring the right thing)
- One of several characteristics of a good test
Memory trick: 'VROCD': Valid, Reliable, Objective, Comprehensive, Discriminating, usable.