UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

Reliability refers to the consistency or stability of scores obtained by an instrument across repeated administrations or across equivalent forms. Validity, the degree to which a tool measures what it is supposed to measure, presupposes that the measurement is not random or erratic. An instrument that produces wildly inconsistent results cannot accurately represent the underlying construct. Thus, the statement that validity depends on consistency highlights that validity depends on reliability.

Option A:
Objectivity concerns freedom from researcher bias in scoring or interpreting responses, which supports fairness but is not the same as the temporal stability of scores. While objectivity is desirable, the stem specifically points to consistency over time.

Option B:
Option B, reliability, captures the idea that measurement must be sufficiently repeatable before it can be meaningfully interpreted as valid. High reliability alone does not guarantee validity, but without reliability, claims about validity are not credible. This matches the relationship described in the question.

Option C:
Feasibility deals with practical aspects such as time, cost and ease of administration; an instrument can be very feasible yet unreliable or invalid. Therefore, feasibility is not appropriate here.

Option D:
Sensitivity refers to the ability of an instrument to detect small differences or changes in the construct being measured. While useful, it does not capture the fundamental requirement of consistent scores that underlies validity.