Validity and Reliability of the Research Instrument; How to Test the Validation of a Questionnaire/Survey in a Research

Abstract

Questionnaire is one of the most widely used tools to collect data in especially social science research. The main objective of questionnaire in research is to obtain relevant information in most reliable and valid manner. Thus the accuracy and consistency of survey/questionnaire forms a significant aspect of research methodology which are known as validity and reliability. Often new researchers are confused with selection and conducting of proper validity type to test their research instrument (questionnaire/survey). This review article explores and describes the validity and reliability of a questionnaire/survey and also discusses various forms of validity and reliability tests.

Keywords: Research Instrument, Questionnaire, Survey, Survey Validity, Questionnaire Reliability, Content Validity, Face Validity, Construct Validity, Criterion Validity