The lower test-retest reliability coefficients found to exist for state anxiety when compared with higher test-retest reliability coefficients obtained for trait anxiety support which premise?
A) Traits are more enduring personality characteristics than states.
B) States are more enduring personality characteristics than traits.
C) Exhibition of anxiety is very situation-dependent.
D) None of these

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability coefficients refer to the consistency of scores over repeated testing. The fact that state anxiety (which is context-dependent and fluctuates more readily) has lower reliability coefficients when compared to trait anxiety (which is seen as more enduring and stable) supports the premise that traits are more enduring personality characteristics than states.

The Lower Test-Retest Reliability Coefficients Found to Exist for State