Which of the following is true regarding the relationship between reliable data and valid data?

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Reliable data refers to data that consistently yields the same results under the same conditions, indicating its dependability. However, reliable data does not inherently guarantee that it accurately captures or measures what it is intended to measure, which is where validity comes into play.

Validity is the extent to which a measurement accurately represents what it is supposed to measure. Therefore, while reliable data can exist, it can still lack validity if it measures the wrong constructs or provides consistently incorrect information. For instance, if a scale consistently gives the same weight regardless of the actual weight of an object (due to error in calibration), the data is reliable but not valid. This distinction highlights that reliable data can indeed be invalid, particularly when the measuring tool or method does not accurately reflect the intended target or construct. Understanding the interplay between reliability and validity is crucial in behavior analysis and other research fields to ensure accurate results and effective interventions.

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