Ofqual publishes reliability reports

The reports are technical in nature and focus on the theoretical understanding of reliability in examinations, assessments and qualifications.

In summary, the reports are:

Parallel Universes and Parallel Measures: This research explains the measurement process and describes the different forms of reliability and the commonly used reliability indices. The report is by the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER).

Conceptualising and Interpreting Reliability: This report looks at different approaches to conceptualising truth and unexplained variation in reliability theory, and the different approaches taken to estimating reliability. It also considers how best to evaluate reliability, taking into account a range of complications associated with the task. The report is by Assessment Europe.

Estimating the Reliability of Composite Scores: This report looks at different approaches to measuring the reliability of results in qualifications which combine results from several components.

The reports can be found on the www.ofqual.gov.uk website.

The findings of the reports will be considered alongside other research carried out as part of the Reliability Programme and will inform Ofqual's future work in this important area.

Notes to editors:

1. The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act, which gained Royal Assent on Thursday, November 12, 2009, included the provision for Ofqual to be established as an independent statutory body with responsibilities for the regulation of general and vocational qualifications in England and vocational qualifications in Northern Ireland.
2. The Reliability Programme is a two-year research study, due to end in December 2010, looking at the consistency of assessment results and factors that can affect the reliability of results.
3. For more information contact the Ofqual press office on 0300 303 3342 or 07798 924552 out of hours.