Which statement describes that a test can be reliable but not valid?

• A. A test cannot be reliable if it is valid.
• B. A test can be reliable but not valid.
• C. A test cannot be valid if it is reliable.
• D. A test must be both reliable and valid to be used.

Answer: (B)

Reliability means a test gives consistent results across times, scorers, or items. Validity means those results actually reflect the attribute or skill you intend to measure. A test can be reliable but not valid when its scores are stable and repeatable, yet they don’t correspond to the construct you’re trying to assess. For example, a test that consistently measures test-taking speed instead of the intended skill would yield reliable scores but not valid ones. Because the results are dependable but not measuring the right thing, reliability does not guarantee validity.