In educational assessments, what do we call a result that is reproducible across multiple tests?

The term that describes a result that is reproducible across multiple tests is reliability. Reliability in educational assessments refers to the consistency of a measure or test over time. If a test yields the same results under consistent conditions, it demonstrates reliability. This is crucial for ensuring that the assessments accurately reflect a student's knowledge or skills rather than being influenced by variables such as test conditions, the specific items chosen, or the students' varying states at the time of assessment.

Reliability can be measured in several ways, including test-retest reliability, parallel forms reliability, and internal consistency. The focus on reproducibility emphasizes that a reliable assessment will consistently produce the same results for the same individuals under the same circumstances, making it an essential quality for effective testing in education.

Other terms, such as validity, robustness, and dependability, while related to assessment practices, denote different concepts. Validity refers to how well a test measures what it claims to measure, robustness pertains to the test's ability to remain effective under varied conditions, and dependability is a broader term that can encompass reliability but is not as specifically defined in the context of educational assessments.