Definition Reliability
Reliability is an important criterion for the accuracy of a scientific analysis. What this means is that under the same conditions of an analysis, we have to come to the same results – no random errors are allowed. For example, if we repeat an experiment, and come to the exact same results as in the first round, this suggests reliability.
Other important criteria for the quality of a scientific research are objectivity and validity.
Please note that the definitions in our statistics encyclopedia are simplified explanations of terms. Our goal is to make the definitions accessible for a broad audience; thus it is possible that some definitions do not adhere entirely to scientific standards.