Reliability - GCSE Sociology Definition

Reviewed by: Raj Bonsor

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Reliability in sociology refers to how consistent the results of a study or experiment are when repeated under the same conditions. If a test or research method is reliable, it means that other researchers can carry out the same study and get similar results. This is important because it helps ensure the findings are true and trustworthy. For example, if a survey about student behaviour is given multiple times and always produces the same results, we would say the survey is reliable. In GCSE Sociology, understanding reliability helps students evaluate how useful their sources and information are.

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Raj Bonsor

Reviewer: Raj Bonsor

Expertise: Psychology & Sociology Content Creator

Raj joined Save My Exams in 2024 as a Senior Content Creator for Psychology & Sociology. Prior to this, she spent fifteen years in the classroom, teaching hundreds of GCSE and A Level students. She has experience as Subject Leader for Psychology and Sociology, and her favourite topics to teach are research methods (especially inferential statistics!) and attachment. She has also successfully taught a number of Level 3 subjects, including criminology, health & social care, and citizenship.

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