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Three numerical coefficients (V, R, and H) for analyzing the validity and reliability of ratings are described. Each coefficient, which ranges in value from 0 to 1, is computed as the ratio of an obtained to a maximum sum of differences in ratings, or as 1 minus that ratio. Computer programs for calculating the coefficients, their associated individual and cumulative right-tail probabilities, and the population mean and standard deviation of each coefficient are available. Tables of the individual and right-tail probabilities for selected values of the three coefficients are included for 2 to 7 rating categories and 2 to 25 items or raters. More complete probability tables can be generated for any value of c, m, or n with one of the computer programs provided. When the number of items or raters is large (>25), the right-tail probability associated with any value of a coefficient may be estimated by a z-score procedure. The three coefficients are applicable not only to validity and reliability (test-retest and internal consistency) determinations but also to the item analysis, agreement analysis, and cluster or factor analysis of rating-scale data.
Lewis R. Aiken (Fri,) studied this question.