What is split half reliability?

Split-half reliability is a measure of internal consistency that involves dividing a test into two halves and comparing the scores of each half to ensure they are consistent. This measure is used to determine the degree to which the items in a test or assessment consistently measure the same construct. To assess split-half reliability, the test is divided into two parts, with each section measuring the same construct or skill. The scores for each half are then compared using a statistical test, such as a correlation coefficient, to determine the degree of consistency between the halves. The split-half reliability coefficient ranges from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating greater internal consistency. Split-half reliability is commonly used in educational and psychological research to assess the reliability of tests and scales. However, it may be less reliable than other methods, such as test-retest reliability, as the individual items may still be biased or inconsistently measuring the same construct.