Blog 4: Chapters 5 & 6

            I found the chapters on reliability and validity to be vital when learning about the assessment process.  Before reading these chapters I was under the impression that reliability and validity went hand in hand.  Obviously it would be ideal if you found a test that was both consistent as well as accurate; however, Drummond and Jones (2010) state, “Reliability is a necessary but insufficient condition for validity.  A measure that produces totally inconsistent results cannot possibly provide valid reliable score interpretations.  However, no matter how reliable assessment results are, it is not a guarantee of validity” (p.102).  After learning that, I believe that it is important that you look at all components of a test to ensure that it fits the individual and/or group of students you are testing.  This is imperative due to the results affecting the person being tested.  As educators, we guide our teaching based off of the results and it directs us to which services to provide to which students.  Furthermore, as future counselors it will help guide our program as well as ensuring the students are being provided with the support they need.

            In terms of reliability, it was stated to be the most important characteristic since there are many decisions based off of the results.  I learned that there are many factors that may affect the reliability and it is a good idea to keep these components in mind.  Two of the factors that stood out to me were the content-sampling error and interrater differences.  With content-sampling, I was able to relate to this because I am working with a small group of teachers in order to create a math screener.  In order to ensure that we administer this consistently since there may be numerous teachers facilitating the assessment we need to make sure to adequately represent the content domain.  We need to make sure that we are careful when choosing the questions that will be tested for each grade level.  Next, with interrater differences, I agree that people view things differently.  When you have multiple people completing observations you have to be clear about the expectations and both be on the same page. 

            Finally, in terms of validity, Drummond and Jones (2010) state, “The Standards assert that validity is “the most fundamental consideration in developing and evaluating tests”” (p. 102).  When looking at test you want to make certain that they are not underrepresented by not including enough or irrelevant by the test being too broad.  In conclusion, it is important to make sure the assessment that is given is appropriate for the audience.  As a final point, I believe that reliability and validity are terms that are important to be familiar with due to the importance of the affects they have when testing. 

Drummond, R. J. & Jones, K. (2010). Assessment Procedures for Counselors and Helping Professionals (7^th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.