How does reliability differ from validity in psychological assessments?

The distinction between reliability and validity in psychological assessments is fundamental for evaluating the effectiveness of measurement tools. Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure; that is, if a psychological assessment is repeated under the same conditions, it should yield similar results each time. This aspect is crucial because high reliability indicates that the measurement is stable and dependable over time.

On the other hand, validity pertains to the accuracy of the measure, which means it assesses whether the test is actually measuring what it is intended to measure. For instance, if a test is meant to measure intelligence, it should accurately reflect the individual's cognitive abilities, not something unrelated.

In summary, reliability ensures that a test produces stable and consistent results, while validity ensures that the test accurately measures the construct it claims to assess. This distinction is essential in evaluating the quality of psychological instruments, making the first option the correct one.