Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Parallel forms reliability relates to which aspect of testing?

1. Internal consistency

2. Correlation between two groups

3. Consistency of scores on alternate forms

4. Evaluation of item fairness

The correct answer is: Consistency of scores on alternate forms

Parallel forms reliability specifically measures the consistency of scores obtained from different versions of a test that are designed to be equivalent. This concept is crucial in ensuring that regardless of which version of the test a participant takes, the scores should reflect similar levels of ability or performance. When parallel forms are utilized, the intention is to have two tests that assess the same underlying construct or skill but possibly utilize different questions or scenarios. This reliability is typically measured by administering both forms to the same group of individuals and then calculating the correlation between their scores on these two tests. A high correlation indicates that the forms are indeed reliable and yield consistent scores. In contrast, internal consistency addresses the degree to which items on a single test measure the same construct. Correlation between two groups could refer to comparative measures across different populations or conditions, while evaluation of item fairness involves assessing whether test items are biased or disadvantageous to specific groups. Understanding these distinctions enhances the ability to apply appropriate measures in assessing test reliability and validity.