A research instrument giving inconsistent results has

ALow validity

BHigh validity

CLow reliability ✓ Correct

DHigh reliability

Correct answer: (C) Low reliability

Explanation

An instrument giving inconsistent results has low reliability, since reliability means consistency.

Low validity concerns measuring the wrong thing, not inconsistent repetition.

High validity cannot describe an inconsistent tool, which fails at the basics.

High reliability is the opposite of the inconsistency described.

Inconsistent scores on retesting signal weak stability and thus low reliability.

An unreliable instrument caps the maximum validity a test can attain.

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