What does the split-half method involve?

The split-half method is a technique used to assess the reliability of a test. This method involves dividing a full set of test items into two halves, often in a way that is intended to create equivalent measures of the same underlying construct. The scores obtained from these two halves are then correlated to determine the internal consistency of the test.

By correlating the scores from the two halves, psychologists can gauge how well the test measures a specific trait consistently across different sections, which is vital for ensuring that the results are dependable. If the two halves yield similar scores, it indicates that the test is reliable—meaning that it is likely to produce consistent results over time.

In contrast, the other methods described, such as creating completely different tests from separate samples or comparing item-level statistics, do not capture the same concept of internal consistency that the split-half method aims to evaluate. Similarly, applying the same test multiple times with different participants relates to test-retest reliability, which focuses on consistency over time rather than within a single administration of a test. Thus, the split-half method is a specific approach that reflects the reliability of a test through correlation of its divided parts.