Which property describes the degree to which test results are consistent over time?

• A. norms
• B. validity
• C. reliability
• D. bias

Answer: (C)

Reliability is about consistency and stability of test results over time. When a test is reliable, a person would get similar scores on repeated administrations, or on different forms that measure the same construct. This stability helps ensure that the score reflects the trait or ability being measured rather than random fluctuations.

In practice, you can think of reliability as the degree to which measurement is repeatable. For example, if someone completes a career interest inventory on two different days, and their scores are very similar, the test shows good reliability. Norms describe how scores compare to a reference group, not how stable they are over time. Validity asks whether the test actually measures the intended construct, and bias refers to systematic errors that favor or disadvantage particular groups.