UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Reliability refers to the consistency or stability of results over repeated measurements or replications. When a study or measurement procedure produces similar outcomes under similar conditions, researchers can trust that findings are not simply due to random fluctuations. Replication with comparable results is strong evidence of reliability. Because the stem describes repeating a study with similar findings, reliability is the correct completion.

Option A:
Validity concerns whether a study or instrument actually measures what it intends to measure or correctly captures the phenomenon of interest. A measure can be reliable yet invalid if it is consistently wrong. Since the question focuses on consistent results across replications, validity is not the right answer.

Option B:
Generalisability, often linked to external validity, deals with the extent to which findings from a study can be extended to other populations, settings or times. While related to reliability, it is about applicability rather than consistency across repeated procedures. Therefore, generalisability does not match the stem.

Option C:
Reliability indicates that fluctuations in scores or findings are due more to real differences in phenomena than to measurement error or random noise. When different samples or occasions under the same design produce similar results, confidence in reliability increases. This is exactly what the stem describes, confirming reliability as the appropriate term.

Option D:
Feasibility refers to the practicality of carrying out a study in terms of resources, time and access, not to consistency of outcomes. A feasible study may still produce highly variable and unreliable results if methods are poor. Thus, feasibility is not the correct completion for the statement.