Quiz Question (Babbie Ch.5)

Jimmy Neutron is conducting a research experiment to study the correlation between the numbers of apples eaten and GPA. He has conducted 500 runs and achieved a mass of consistent data supporting his theory. Which of the following best describes Jimmy's experiment?

a. both valid and reliable

b. valid, but not reliable

c. reliable, but not valid

d. neither valid nor reliable

Answer: C

Reliability is defined as "that quality of measurement method that suggests that the same data would have been collected each time in repeated observations of the same phenomenon," so based on the description, we know that Jimmy's experiment is reliable since he "achieved a mass of consistent data." This eliminates answers B and D. The problem is that Jimmy's experiment is not valid. His study fails in "face validity" since his correlating consumption of apples and GPA is not a reasonable measure at all, thus eliminating answer A, making the correct choice C.