Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

The selection of the best data collection instrument in a study enhances its:

1. Accuracy.

2. Reliability.

3. Sampling.

4. Validity.

The correct answer is: Reliability.

Selecting the best data collection instrument significantly enhances the reliability of a study. Reliability refers to the consistency of a measure; if an instrument consistently yields the same results under the same conditions, it is deemed reliable. This consistency is crucial in research because it enables researchers to trust that their findings are replicable and not due to random chance or variability in the measurement process. When a data collection instrument is specifically chosen for its alignment with the study's goals and populations, it can produce stable and dependable results over time. For example, if a survey is used repeatedly under similar conditions and yields similar responses, the reliability of the data is confirmed. This is especially important when comparing results across different groups or times within the same study, as reliable instruments help ensure that observed changes are due to the variables being tested rather than measurement error. In contrast, while aspects such as accuracy, sampling, and validity are also essential components of research design, they are not as directly impacted by the choice of data collection instrument. Accuracy pertains to how close a measured value is to the true value; sampling focuses on how well the sample represents the population, and validity involves whether the instrument measures what it is supposed to measure. Reliability is foundational, as a reliable instrument is necessary for ensuring the