Sally steps on her bathroom scale, and it tells her that she weighs 145 pounds. When she steps on it again after her shower, she gets the same result. In fact, it has told her that her weight is stable at 145 pounds for several days now. This is very distressing to Sally, because she knows she actually only weighs around 127 pounds. Based on her observations, what can more accurately be said about the measurements provided by Sally's scale?
A) The measurements lack reliability.
B) The measurements lack validity.
C) The measurements are reliable.
D) The measurements are valid.

Question

Sally steps on her bathroom scale, and it tells her that she weighs 145 pounds. When she steps on it again after her shower, she gets the same result. In fact, it has told her that her weight is stable at 145 pounds for several days now. This is very distressing to Sally, because she knows she actually only weighs around 127 pounds. Based on her observations, what can more accurately be said about the measurements provided by Sally's scale?
A) ​The measurements lack reliability.
B) ​The measurements lack validity.
C) ​The measurements are reliable.
D) ​The measurements are valid.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The measurements lack validity. Validity refers to the accuracy of a measurement, meaning that it measures what it is supposed to measure. In this case, the scale is not measuring Sally's actual weight, so it lacks validity. However, it may be reliable since Sally is getting consistent results every time she steps on the scale. Reliability refers to consistency in the results of a measurement.

Sally Steps on Her Bathroom Scale, and It Tells Her